3 notes from Miami Heat’s Game 3 loss vs the Charlotte Hornets
The Miami Heat cool off as Charlotte stings at home and brings series to 2-1
170. 80. 110. Final. 96
After dismantling the Hornets in game 1 and 2 by double digits, the Heat had the tables turned on them in an 80-96 loss to Charlotte.
The Heat kept the game close in the first half, with Luol Deng continuing his hot playoff shooting. Deng hit four 3-pointers in the first quarter and it looked like the Heat offense would continue the high scoring trend of the first two games. But, the offense stalled at the end of the first quarter and the Heat went into half down 44-49.
A poor 3rd quarter ended any hope of stealing the first game in Charlotte. Miami scored just 14 points in the 3rd, allowing the Hornets to extend a 5 point halftime lead to as many as 24. At the end of the 3rd, Charlotte lead by 17 and never looked back.
Here are a few notes from the game:
1. Heat go cold
The first two games of the series, Miami had been shooting lights out. They were averaging 119 points per game and shooting over 57% from the field. We all knew it was impossible to sustain. Tonight, the law of averages caught up.
The Heat shot a dismal 34%. They had similar looks to game 1 and 2, they just missed open shots.
Fortunately, the law of averages now work in Miami’s favor. The Heat shot 47% during the regular season.
2. Charlotte goes big
With the loss of Nic Batum, Charlotte decided to go big. They moved PF Marvin Williams to SF and started Al Jefferson and Frank Kaminsky, subbing with Cody Zeller and Spencer Hawes. All are 6’9” or taller.
The Hornets used the bigger players to clog the paint, daring the Heat to beat them from the perimeter. While Deng was initially hot, once he cooled off, the strategy paid off.
On the other end, all of the Hornet big men can shoot, forcing their defenders out of the paint. As a result, Kimba Walker and Jeremy Lin had open lanes to attack.
Coach Erik Spoelstra will need to find a counter next game or the series could go the distance.
3. Turnovers
Miami committed 14 turnovers, leading to 15 points for the Hornets. Charlotte turned the ball over just 3 times, leading to 1 point for the Heat.
Turnovers have plagued Miami all season. There is a clear trend of Miami winning games when they don’t turn the ball over and losing when they do. It’s hard to understand how a veteran laden team can make so many poor decisions with the basketball.
When you turn the ball over more than 4 times as much as your opponent, it’s hard to win in this league. I have faith Miami will address these issues and surprise Charlotte in game 4.