Postgame Grades: Miami Heat fall to Hornets
By Simon Smith
A host of new faces showed promise in the Miami Heat’s loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
170. Final. 88. 110. 96
Playing without starters Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow, the Miami Heat fell just short on the road against the Charlotte Hornets.
Tyler Johnson also didn’t play, while Hassan Whiteside and Dion Waiters saw limited minutes. With Josh Richardson, Josh McRoberts and Luke Babbitt also sidelined, there were plenty of opportunities for the players fighting for a spot on the final roster.
The Heat started slowly, trailing 33-19 after the first quarter, but managed to turn things around and trailed 74-72 heading into the fourth.
Down the stretch whilst the Hornets were fielding mostly starters, the Heat fielded D-Leaguers and players with non-guaranteed contracts. The fact that they were able to hold their own should be very encouraging for all involved.
Reserve guard Rodney McGruder again impressed with 19 points in 36 minutes off the bench as the bulk of the minutes went to guys on the bubble.
For the game, the Heat attempted a preseason high 41 three-pointers, however converted at just a 29.3 percent clip. As a team they shot 36 percent overall from the field.
Charlotte was led by Kemba Walker with 17 points and six assists and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist who had 10 points and 13 rebounds.
C. Starting in place of Goran Dragic, Weber played a team high 40 minutes and contributed two points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Weber struggled from the field, shooting 1-of-8 whilst also committing four turnovers. Whilst his high level of energy and defence are his clear strengths, Weber’s shooting continues to be his downside, and could be the difference between him making the roster or heading back to the D-League.. PG. Miami Heat. BRIANTE WEBER
C-. Ellington again filled in for Justice Winslow, where he continued his up-and-down shooting form of the preseason. Ellington shot 3-of-9 from downtown for 10 points and had four assists and three rebounds. Whilst he has shot an impressive 40.9 percent from downtown over six preseason games, he has shot 33 percent overall from the field.. SF. Miami Heat. WAYNE ELLINGTON
B. Williams appears to have sewn up the starting power forward position, having started the past four games of the preseason. Williams notched 13 points, four rebounds and four assists whilst hitting 3-of-7 from behind three. Williams has demonstrated the most versatility of the starting candidates for the 4 spot, and looks more comfortable as each game passes.. PF. Miami Heat. DERRICK WILLIAMS
A. McGruder continues to push very hard for a roster spot, and this game certainly did his cause no harm. McGruder had 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals in his most impressive game to date. Playing 36 minutes off the bench, he hit 4-of-9 from behind three and was an impressive +10 whilst on the court, despite the Heat’s loss. McGruder showed a variety of offensive moves, including running floaters, dunks and of course three-pointers.. G. Miami Heat. RODNEY MCGRUDER
Miami Heat. WILLIE REED. B+. Reed continued his impressive preseason showing, and is literally improving with each game under his belt. Reed had 12 points, 5 rebounds and four blocks. Furthermore, he was a +6 whilst on the court in his 23 minutes of action. Reed is showing new aspects to his game each contest and is proving to be a more than serviceable backup to Hassan Whiteside this season.. C
B+. White played by far his most minutes of the preseason, and certainly made the most of it. In 23 minutes, White had 13 points and 12 rebounds, showing tremendous athleticism on both ends of the floor. One of a number of players on non-guaranteed contracts, White definitely put his name forward with this performance.. F. Miami Heat. OKARO WHITE
The Heat have no time for rest, returning home to play host to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.