Miami Heat can’t find rhythm against New Orleans Pelicans, fall 109-94
Dragic and Johnson’s return was not enough to propel the Miami Heat past the New Orleans Pelicans.
Two steps forward, one step back.
After missing their share of games, the Miami Heat’s Goran Dragic and James Johnson returned to the lineup tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans. However, Dion Waiters sat the game out, having rolled his ankle in Friday’s victory against the Dallas Mavericks.
The presence of the Pelicans’ versatile big men Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins led head coach Erik Spoelstra to rely on early rotations from Kelly Olynyk, Bam Adebayo and Jordan Mickey. The trio, which shared defensive assignments on Davis and Cousins, was quickly bailed out by a pair of quick fouls from Cousins. Thus, Tyler Johnson was able to find his rhythm quickly, as the lanes were free from congestion from the Pelicans’ titans.
Miami shared the offensive wealth early, with a score from every player who touched the hardwood. Missing the previous two games with bursitis in his right ankle, James Johnson returned in sync, knocking down seven points on 3-for-3 shooting from the field, including a buzzer beating 3-pointer to end the first quarter.
Johnson was limited to eight minutes though, as he retreated to the locker room for treatment on his ailing ankle and never returned to the court.
Midway through the second quarter, the Heat hit a dry spell, and the Pelicans crept to a seven-point lead before the half. Part of the drought was the result of a series of futile scoop layups that were promptly rejected by either Davis or Cousins. The Pelicans duo combined for seven of the Pelicans’ 10 blocks on the night.
In one bright spot, Adebayo showcased his defensive smarts, playing solid, closeout defense against Davis. In addition to forcing him to take bad shots along the baseline, Adebayo contributed nine points, seven rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes of action.
Little, however, would slow New Orleans’ offensive motor. After the half, the Pelicans sprung ahead with a 15-point lead in the third quarter, as Miami’s shooting woes continued. New Orleans confirmed 53.4 percent of their shots, to Miami’s 42.2 percent.
Tyler Johnson had the hot hand for the Heat, scoring 20 points on 52.9 percent shooting. Despite chasing down seven more offensive rebounds than the Pelicans, the 24-point deficit that blossomed amidst Miami’s poor shooting proved insurmountable, as the Heat fell 109-94.
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Miami will resume play the day after Christmas, against the Orlando Magic.