On January 23, Beijing time, the Heat defeated the Pelicans 100-96 at home, completing a 16-point reversal, and this season's double-kill opponent also gave the Pelicans a four-game losing streak. Hiro scored a game-high 26 points, Butler and Adebayo were also efficient, and Lowry scored nine straight points in the final quarter. The Pelicans led by as many as 16 points, but the Heat rallied in the second half and took the victory. At the crucial moment, the Pelicans made two fatal errors in a row in the final 15 seconds. McCollum missed the final three points and Oladipo made a free throw to seal the win.
Statistics
Pelicans: Valanciunas 14 points and 16 rebounds, Murphy III 17 points and 3 steals, McCollum 13 points and 5 assists, Daniels 11 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, Jones 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, Nance 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals, Hayes 8 points, Graham 7 points and 5 steals.
Heat: Hiro 26 points and 8 rebounds, Adebayo 18 points and 9 rebounds, Butler 18 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals, Lowry 17 points and 4 steals, Oladipo 11 points and 5 assists.
The star of the field
Hiro played well, and Butler played well offensively and defensively, helping the Heat defeat the Pelicans by 16 points and double-kill opponents this season. Lowry scored nine straight points in the final quarter, and Oladipo's defense and free throws were also crucial.
Race tidbits
Before the end of the first quarter, the Pelicans' Graham hit a three-point shot from the backcourt!
At halftime, the Heat's Lowry also hit a three-point shot in the backcourt, but unfortunately this timeout did not count.
Highlight moments
Hayes throws around the ball behind his back to score!
Murphy III fast-break dunk!
Hayes split 2+1 with one hand!
Adebayo catches the ball and dunks!
Oladipo picked a basket and scored and caused the opponent to foul!
Hiro hit three consecutive points in the last quarter!
Match Review
In the first quarter, Murphy III hit a three-pointer, Varan scored a dunk, McCollum scored five straight points, and the Pelicans went on a 16-6 run. Hiro hit a free throw, Lowry scored five straight points, and the Heat closed the gap. Hayes took the dunk, Murphy III dunked 2+1, and Butler also responded with a dunk. Graham hit a long-range three-point whistle at the back, and at the end of the first quarter, the Pelicans led the Heat 32-23.
In the second quarter, Graham hit a three-pointer, Adebayo scored a dunk, and Varan hit a hook to stretch the gap to 16 points. Adebayo and Hiro scored back-to-back, Oladipo and Butler also broke through to score, Hiro also sent a dunk, and the Heat went on a 10-0 run to close the gap to six points. Lowry also hit a long-range 3-pointer in the backcourt, but unfortunately it was overtimed. At the end of the first half, the Pelicans led the Heat 47-41.
Yibian fought again, Varan hooked and scored, Lowry hit a three-pointer, Butler hit a 2+1, Hiro scored on a free throw, and the Heat tied the Pelicans. Daniels hit a three-pointer, Hayes dunked 2+1, Hiro hit a three-pointer, Butler hit two free throws, and the Heat led for the first time in the game. Alvarado hit a three-pointer, and Nance made two consecutive dunks. After the third quarter, the Pelicans led the Heat 72-69.
In the final quarter, Vincent scored on a layup, Adebayo dunked, Nance hooked to score, Oladipo broke through and Hiro hit a three-pointer. Nance hooked the score, Hiro hit a 3-pointer, and Adebayo scored inside to give the Heat a five-point lead. McCollum and Murphy III hit three straight threes, Lowry scored nine straight points and Nance scored on the basket. In the final 15 seconds, Oladipo made a steal on Hayes and hit one of two free throws, leaving the Pelicans trailing by two points. The Pelicans committed a five-second serve violation, but they also used scrum to get the ball back. McCollum missed a three-point shot and Oladipo made a free throw to seal the win. In the end, the Heat defeated the Pelicans at home.
Both sides start
Pelicans: Daniels, McCollum, Jones, Murphy III, Valanciunas
Heat: Lowry, Hilo, Martin, Butler, Adebayo