Heat Take Down Struggling Hornets in In-Season Tournament Play, 111-105

Riding a five-game winning streak, the Miami Heat came into Charlotte and took down the Hornets on Tuesday evening. The game was part of In-Season Tournament group play. 

The Hornets were once again shorthanded in this one. With Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier, Brandon Miller, Frank Ntilikina and James Bouknight all sidelined due to injury, Charlotte was facing an uphill battle even before the opening tip. 

After jumping out to an early 11-point lead in the first quarter, the Heat took the lead in the second frame and led 57-48 at halftime behind the strong play of Jimmy Butler, who finished the game with 32 points. 

Charlotte trimmed Miami's lead down to as little as four points in the fourth quarter, but the Heat were resilient and held on for the 111-105 win. 

Best of the night: 

P.J. Washington logged his fourth game this season with a least 20 points, putting up a season-high 32. He also knocked down six of his 11 three-point attempts. 

Worst of the night:

Finding themselves without key rotation players once again, the Hornets struggled to find consistent scoring power. Four Hornets players played at least 15 minutes and failed to score more than five points. 

Stat of the night:

The Hornets came into the game scoring the most paint points per game in the NBA, but uncharacteristically struggled scoring the ball in the paint against the Heat, putting up just 40 points compared to their league-leading 64 average. 

Highlight of the night: 

On a fast break in the fourth quarter, LaMelo Ball sped down the court and past multiple Heat defenders for this acrobatic layup.