Heat survive late comeback from Charlotte, get first win of the season

In a thrilling finish, the Miami Heat pulled off a dramatic 114-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, fueled by Jimmy Butler's clutch showing in the fourth quarter.

The Heat led comfortably, 92-78, with 8:46 left, but the Hornets surged with a 21-7 run, cutting the lead to just three with 2:56 remaining. That's when Jimmy Buckets took over. Butler nailed his only three of the game, then followed that up on the next possession with a turnaround jumper over LaMelo Ball to extend Miami's lead. Charlotte fought back with big shots from Tre Mann and Miles Bridges, but Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier responded with clutch threes of their own. The Heat held on to secure their first win of the 2024-25 season.

After a disappointing performance in the season opener in Orlando, when he finished the game with only 3 points, Butler was the hero in the win against the Hornets. Butler scored 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter alone. Butler believes the only way the Heat can win games is if “we always remember who we are”  and he embodied that mindset. This was the Jimmy Butler the Heat expected, and they hope to see more of his magic as the season unfolds.

It was also a great homecoming performance for former Hornets guard Terry Rozier. After spending four and a half years with the organization, Rozier returned to the Spectrum Center for the first time since he was traded in January. Rozier scored 19 points, shooting an efficient 7 of 12 from the field and 3 for 6 from downtown, including the dagger three of the night that extended the Heat's lead to eight with 34.1 seconds left. 

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra praised his team’s response to Wednesday’s disappointing loss to the Magic, noting that “efficiency” was the key to victory. The Heat delivered on that focus, limiting their turnovers to 13 and shooting a solid 41.2% from beyond the arc.

It was a collective effort and much needed to avoid a disastrous 0-2 start. It wasn’t just Butler and Rozier who stepped up. Multiple players provided on both ends. Herro continued his offensive momentum, contributing 22 points and looked comfortable running the point when Rozier and Butler were both out of the game. Alec Burks got the nod over Haywood Highsmith and played his role to perfection, making three of his four threes.

One downside of the game was Bam’s performance. Despite his double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, he struggled from the field, shooting 6 of 17. Adabayo will need to get his jump shot going, as the offense often revolves around the three-time all-star. The Heat also did not protect the glass, allowing 15 offensive rebounds after giving up 18 to the Magic on Wednesday. If Miami expects to improve this season, they need to limit second-chance opportunities.

The Heat had control for most of the game, but when faced with adversity for the first time this season they responded. The Heat will look to continue their momentum on Monday when they take on the Detroit Pistons in the Kaseya Center.