MIAMI – The Miami Heat successfully completed a challenging two-game set against the Charlotte Hornets with a 115-104 victory on Wednesday night. Duncan Robinson’s 23 points, including six 3-pointers, spearheaded the Heat’s triumph, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kyle Lowry each contributed 17 points.
The win held special significance for Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, as the team had previously struggled to sweep two-game series this season. Lowry’s flawless shooting performance – 5 for 5 from the floor, 4 of which were 3-pointers, and 3 for 3 from the free-throw line – was a key factor in Miami’s success. Jimmy Butler also played a pivotal role with 15 points and 10 assists, and Jamal Cain’s 14 points added to the team’s balanced scoring effort.
Robinson’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as the Heat have an impressive 8-1 record when he makes at least four 3-pointers in a game. His ability to capitalize on the defensive pressure created by his teammates in the paint was a crucial element of Miami’s offense.
The Hornets, despite a valiant effort, could not keep pace. Terry Rozier led Charlotte with 28 points, followed by Gordon Hayward with 20, Miles Bridges with 19, and Brandon Miller with 18. However, Charlotte’s bench struggled to match Miami’s, which outscored the Hornets’ reserves 45-13.
Miami’s defense was another key to victory, converting 21 Charlotte turnovers into 32 points. In contrast, the Hornets could only manage 13 points off Miami’s season-high 22 turnovers. Hornets coach Steve Clifford acknowledged the Heat’s defensive prowess, emphasizing the turnovers as a significant factor in the game.
Injury woes continued to plague both teams. The Heat were without key players Bam Adebayo, Haywood Highsmith, and Tyler Herro, and also missed Josh Richardson due to illness. For Charlotte, PJ Washington left the game with a shoulder injury, and LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams were also sidelined.
Despite these challenges, Miami’s execution on both ends of the court in the middle two quarters, where they outscored the Hornets 69-47, was decisive.
Looking ahead, the Hornets will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, while the Heat face another two-game series, beginning with the Chicago Bulls on Thursday in Miami.
