Charlotte surprises Miami after the break

This “Rivals Week” ended with a confrontation between Hornets and the Heatfrom the same division and accidental opponents in the first round of the 2016 playoffs.

As is often the case with Sunday afternoon matches, the show was nothing, but the Spectrum Center crowd (and particularly Kemba Walker, who was present in the stands) at least witnessed a good turnaround situation from his darlings.

In fact, players Charlotte lost (122-117) the Miami, while still trailing -13 midway through the third quarter. But, brought it terry rosier (31 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists), PJ Washington (27 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and Gordon Hayward (20 points, at 100% address), without forgetting LaMelo Ball (19 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists) in the last act, however they were able to defeat the teammates of Jimmy Butler (28 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals) over time.

WHAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER

— The Surprise Fall of Miami. Still leading by ten points (72-59) eight minutes from the end of the third quarter, the Heat surprisingly fell, when we felt that they could speed up and make a difference that seemed good to him. A lack of intensity, a more relaxed defense and a more disorganized attack: these are the causes of this surprising crack, also caused by Charlotte’s painful heat stroke. Afterward, Erik Spoelstra’s men couldn’t regain their luster, largely paying for their inability to calm the Hornets with confidence.

— Charlotte’s painful awakening. Unlike the Heat, the Hornets pulled out all the stops from midway through the third quarter. Under the impetus of Terry Rozier and especially PJ Washington, they effectively blew up the opposing defense with 3-point baskets, to sign… 24-9! Offensively, Steve Clifford’s men regained their luster in the blink of an eye and Florida’s players were unable to slow them down. Both in the third and in the fourth quarter, where LaMelo Ball took the Rozier / Washington duo, to put his team permanently in the shelter.

TOPS/FLOPS

✅ The Rozier—Hayward—Washington Trio. Between the efficiency of a perfect Gordon Hayward in the shoot, but above all the different shots of Terry Rozier and PJ Washington, whether in 3-pointers, mid-distance or even in the paint, the Hornets were able to press an unprecedented ” Big Three” to punish the defensive errors of a Heat who were too lenient in minutes. It’s no coincidence that Charlotte, fueled by its transition game and the gaps created as a result, finished the third quarter with run shocking from… 32-14!

✅ Jimmy Butler. Tyler Herro (24 points) also brought his stone to the building, but “Jimmy Buckets” was the most noticeable in this part, on the part of the Floridian. Very clean (11/14 on shots, 6/7 on throws) and scoring almost on command, the All-Star winger stood out in the Florida camp, because the light could only come from him tonight. When he left, Miami was less organized and when he took over the game, Miami suffered in Charlotte. Too bad for the Heat: the “aggressive scorer butler” mode was not as visible in the second half, compared to the second quarter.

⛔ ✅ LaMelo Ball. Two speed battles for the Hornets point guard. First at the plate for three quarters (6 points and 5 turnovers, 2/10 on shots, including 1/8 from 3-pointers), then he recovered spectacularly in the final action (13 points, 5 /7 on shots, including 3/5 on 3-pointers). A life-saving awakening for his team, which was able to increase the gap on the scoreboard and approach the end of the game more calmly, despite Miami’s offensive minutes. The attacks were repelled, in particular, by the same “Melo” in money time.

⛔ Kyle Lowry. New timid and therefore disappointing performance from the veteran point guard: 11 points and 5 assists, 3/11 on shots, including 2/7 from 3-pointers… And again, most of his points were recorded at times when Heat n was obtained. It wasn’t really necessary, at the very end of the fourth quarter, when the game was over. Before that, the Florida franchise didn’t rely on a Lowry in the meet, as he was too clumsy and not aggressive enough to relieve Jimmy Butler or Tyler Herro with the ball in hand.

THE FOLLOWING

Charlotte (15-36) : travel to Milwaukee, overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday (02:00).

Miami (28-23) : travel to Cleveland, overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday (01:00).