Heat rides third-quarter stampede to blow out Charlotte Hornets. Takeaways and details
Five takeaways from the Heat’s 104-86 win against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night at Spectrum Center:
▪ The Heat overcome brutal first-half shooting with an immaculate, awe-inspiring third quarter in which it outscored Charlotte 35 to 8.
The first half was an offensive dumpster fire, with Miami shooting 16 for 48 (34 percent) and just 2 for 16 on threes (12 percent).
While Jimmy Butler shot 6 for 9 in the first half, his teammates were 10 for 39.
But everything changed in an instant after intermission, and it was spectacular.
Down 51-46 at the half, the Heat opened the second half shooting 7 for 12, and momentum turned quickly.
When the third-quarter mauling was done, Miami had outscored the Hornets 35-8 and went to the fourth ahead 81-59.
The lead soon grew to 30, as a “Let’s Go Heat” chant echoed inside Charlotte’s downtown arena.
While Charlotte shot 0 for 10 on threes in the third, Miami shot 13 for 23 from the field in the quarter and 4 for 7 on threes.
Jimmy Butler, who was exceptional, hit three baskets in that third quarter stampede en route to a 27-point night that featured 10 of 13 shooting, six rebounds, four assists and a block. He was 7 for 7 from the line.
Bam Adebayo, after suffering through a 3 for 13 first half, hit four baskets in the third.
Duncan Robinson, after an 0 for 5 start, hit a three in that sequence, his only basket of the night in nine attempts.
Kyle Lowry and PJ Tucker hit threes during that third quarter roll.
And Tyler Herro - who was 1 for 5 in the first half - finished 7 of 13 on a 19-point night.
By the end of the night, the Heat had raised its shooting percentages to 42 for the field and 34.4 on threes.
And the defense was scintillating. Miami had 14 steals (including four by Lowry) and six blocks.
Gordon Hayward shot for 0 for 7. And Kelly Oubre Jr., among those competing with Herro for the Sixth Man award, was 3 for 15.
The Hornets closed at 38 percent from the field and shot 10 for 36 on threes (27.8 percent).
The Hornets wilted in the second night of a back-to-back-- after losing at home to Cleveland on Friday -- but the Heat’s defense had a lot to do with it.
Miami’s 27-point third quarter margin tied for the third largest positive margin in a quarter in franchise history, including playoffs.
“We weren’t necessarily expecting that,” Spoelstra said of that third-quarter blitz. “Defensively that clearly set the tone that quarter. Guys were pretty active. and making it tough. It always becomes make or miss.
“They missed some and some were open. To continue what we saw in San Antonio, the ball was really moving and found the opening guy. Guys didn’t care who was shooting, as long as [the open player] was shooting.”
▪ Adebayo fought through a frustrating first half and helped fuel a second-half run.
He missed 10 of 13 shots in the first half, including several that he usually makes in the basket area.
But he kept at it and tied his career high with 21 field goals attempts, a mark set last season against Indiana. “That’s definitely maturity,” he said of his ability to overcome first-half struggles.
Adebayo made just seven of those 21, but it hardly mattered because he was a second-half force.
And even though the shots often weren’t falling, Adebayo was contributing big in other areas, closing with 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. He made six of his seven free throw attempts and finished with 20 points.
“He really made some nice plays in the third quarter,” Spoelstra said. “They’re a difficult team to defend, play with incredible pace and do a good job moving the ball and driving it.
“You need guys that contain the ball and Bam helps in that regard and he was finding the ball in the middle of the paint and making appropriate plays.”
▪ Caleb Martin acquitted himself well in his first regular-season game against his twin brother and against the team that released him last summer.
The second player off the Heat’s bench, Martin instantly hit a three that was later changed to a two.
Then he picked off a pass from his brother/former teammate Cody - with whom he dined Friday at a Japanese restaurant - and dunked at the other end.
Martin - who defended his brother at times - also drew an offensive foul from Miles Bridges, who’s having an All-Star caliber season.
“He’s been such a big part of our success this season,” Erik Spoelstra said of Martin.
As usual, Martin delivered a jolt of energy and high-intensity defense.
His final line: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.
“He’s playing at a high level, playing with great energy, aggressive, attacking the rim,” Charlotte coach James Borrego said.
Martin’s brother Cody also scored eight points.
“That shows how much we do everything the same,” Caleb Martin cracked.
How was the experience playing against his twin brother and his former team?
“We got a win, so I’m good, it was fun,” Caleb Martin said. “Brought back a lot of good memories. Being able to compete against my brother always fun. He was mad I got the steal [off his pass]. He was hot. It was fun being able to play. Took a little minute to get adjusted to it.”
▪ Kyle Lowry is beginning to find his offensive rhythm after missing nine games with a family matter.
After attempting just one shot in 25 minutes in his first game back, Lowry took only two shots in the first half Saturday. Through his first six quarters back, he had only one basket - a three midway through the second quarter on Saturday.
But Lowry was very good in the second half, hitting two threes and closing with six assists and four steals on a 9-point night, on 3 for 6 shooting.
Miami was a plus 11 in his 31 minutes.
“I never look at the stat line with him,” Spoelstra said. “It’s the magnifying effect he has on everybody else. That’s part of his greatness. He can control the game, the pace, make the appropriate calls, feels the tenor of the game.”
He played deep into the fourth quarter, even with the Heat up big.
▪ Spoelstra might end up spending All Star weekend coaching in Cleveland. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)
The Heat’s win Saturday moved Miami to 34-20. If the 33-19 Bulls lose at home against Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon, then Spoelstra would coach one of the teams in the All Star game.
If the Bulls win, Chicago coach Billy Donovan would get that assignment.
“I’m paying attention to it,” Spoelstra said hours before the game. “We would love to have the best record in the East. It gives you something to compete for. I haven’t given it much more thought than that.”
This story was originally published February 5, 2022 at 9:11 PM.
