A look at five major takeaways from the Miami Heat’s win over the Charlotte Hornets
The Miami Heat improved to 7-4 on the regular season following a 111-105 victory against the Charlotte Hornets.
Here’s a look at the five biggest takeaways:
1. Haywood Highsmith and Bam Adebayo are an elite defensive duo.
The two most impressive Heat players in recent weeks are Adebayo and Highsmith. Their lockdown defense is a key reason for Miami’s recent success. Highsmith concluded the game with five steals and two blocks, while Adebayo recorded three steals and one block.
2. Miami needs to focus on preventing players from getting off to a hot start.
Hornets forward P.J. Washington scored 32 points on 54.5 percent shooting in the loss. He started the game 4 of 4 from beyond the arc, creating early problems for Miami. When they face teams such as the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, stopping hot streaks is crucial.
3. Jimmy Butler showed his ability to take over games.
Butler stepped up in the continual absence of star Tyler Herro. He finished the night with 32 points, five assists, and two steals on 71.4 percent shooting. He is showing his worth as a prominent scoring option when Adebayo or Herro have off nights.
4. Josh Richardson needs to solve his problems from three-point range.
For Richardson to remain relevant in Miami’s lineup, he must find ways to contribute offensive production. He shot 0 of 4 from beyond the arc in the first half, finishing the night 0 of 6. The Heat’s depth at the forward position could push Richardson down the depth chart as the season continues.
5. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Duncan Robinson answered all of the Hornets fourth-quarter attacks.
After trailing at the end of the first quarter, Miami never looked back. They outscored Charlotte 87-72 in the final three quarters. Jaquez and Robinson provided the majority of the scoring down the stretch, combining for 35 points on 14 of 26 shooting.
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Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat give hilarious responses during postgame interviews.
The Miami Heat are on a six-game winning streak, which is reflected in the vibe of the locker room.
The Heat took down the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday behind a 32-point performance from Jimmy Butler. After the victory, Butler and Bam Adebayo shared with Bally Sports Sun what they believe is the reason for their recent success.
“We’ve been scoring more points than the other team,” Butler said.
A distant remark had Butler screaming after the hilarious response. His facial expression could make for yet another viral photo.
Adebayo is dominating on both ends of the floor this season. He is averaging 23.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals. When asked a similar question as Butler’s, it became clear the duo thought alike.
“We’re winning,” Adebayo said, followed by a comical expression.
Despite the joking, the All-Stars gave their true responses. Adebayo accredited Miami’s defensive improvements, while Butler gave praise to his teammates.
The team’s morale is high as they’re the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Miami is near the bottom of the league in points per game, but continuously find ways to win. A major cause is their ability to take care of the ball, recording less than eight turnovers in their last two games.
The Heat play host to Mikal Bridges and the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday evening.
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