Goran Dragic returns, torches Palicans in Heat win

Making up for a one-game absence, Goran Dragic was sizzling in leading the Miami Heat to victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Welcome to the Hot Hand, where after every Miami Heat game win or loss we recognize the player who best put his stamp on the game.

Having missed the Miami Heat‘s narrow loss to the Indiana Pacers due to swelling in his right eye, Goran Dragic’s determination was evident from the get-go. Dragic posted 12 of his game-high 33 points in the first quarter to lead the Heat to a 120-112 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Dragic also notched five rebounds, two assists and a steal in his 32 minutes on the court. But it was his efficiency, combined with his aggressiveness, that really shone out. Dragic was 11-of-18 overall from field, including 5-of-9 from three-point range. He is now shooting a career-high 42.7 percent from behind three for the season.

Furthermore, over his last 22 games, Dragic has now averaged 22.2 points and 5.3 assists. This includes shooting at a 52.7 percent clip from the field and 47.5 percent from downtown.

For the game, the Heat hit 16-of-35 from three-point range, bouncing back from a sub par 9-of-32 in their loss to the Pacers. With the win, the Heat are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. They have the same 33-35 record as the eighth placed Detroit Pistons, but due to trailing 1-2 in their season matchup, are looking on the outside of the playoff race for the time being.

Dragic was not only outstanding on the offensive end, but he showed again that he has improved tremendously as a defender. When Dragic was on the court, the Heat gave up just 92.3 points per 100 possessions. But when he was resting, this number exploded to 129.5 points per 100 possessions.

Dragic’s aggressive and attacking nature was again at the forefront. Currently third in the league with 12.1 drives per game, Dragic had nine drives in this game. He was complimented by back court partner Dion Waiters who himself had 12 drives to the basket.

And although Dragic was credited with just two assists, his drives through the lane led to him being credited with seven potential assists.

This represented not only Dragic’s importance to the Heat, but also the first game of a five-game home stand for the Heat. The Heat’s next game is Friday night, when they play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Game starts 8:00 pm ET.