CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a gripping contest on Saturday night, the Miami Heat triumphed over the Charlotte Hornets with a score of 114-106, marking a setback for the Hornets during their home opener. Jimmy Butler proved pivotal for Miami, scoring 13 of his total 26 points in the high-stakes fourth quarter. Additionally, Tyler Herro showcased his shooting prowess with five three-pointers, contributing 22 points to the team’s victory.
Terry Rozier stood out for Charlotte, netting 19 points, while Bam Adebayo of the Heat managed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Butler’s impressive game included eight assists along with eight rebounds, showcasing his all-around impact on the match.
For the Hornets, LaMelo Ball was a significant force, pouring in 27 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out seven assists. His performance came on a night filled with emotion, as the team commemorated their long-time public address announcer, Pat Doughty, who sadly passed away. The arena also featured livestreams of a benefit concert for Hurricane Helene victims happening nearby, where notable artist Eric Church, who is a minority owner of the Hornets, performed.
The Hornets, now with a record of 1-2, struggled to find their rhythm, committing 20 turnovers throughout the match. They faced challenges on basic inbound plays, resulting in two 5-second violations.
**Game Analysis**
For the Heat, the victory came after a tough season opener, indicating they are beginning to find their stride. Miami successfully withstood three distinct comeback threats from the Hornets, largely due to timely three-point shots made by Butler, Herro, and Duncan Robinson.
On the other hand, Charlotte’s depth is already being put to the test early in the season, as three of their starters—Brandon Miller, Mark Williams, and Josh Green—are currently sidelined due to injuries.
**Crucial Moment**
The pivotal moment in the game occurred when Tre Mann hit a pull-up jumper, narrowing Miami’s once comfortable lead to just three points with 1:36 remaining. In response, Herro converted a critical three-pointer from the top of the key, followed by a turnover from Ball that set up Butler for two free throws. Rozier then added another three-pointer to secure the Heat’s victory.
**Significant Statistic**
One of the standout stats from the game was the Heat’s impressive 33 assists on 40 made baskets, showcasing their effective ball movement and teamwork.
**Looking Ahead**
The Miami Heat will be back in action on Monday night, hosting the Detroit Pistons, while the Charlotte Hornets will look to rebound when they face off against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.