The Miami Heat, navigating a significantly reduced roster, achieved a notable 123-111 triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans, further cementing their superior record in recent matchups. This victory underscores the Heat's resilience and strategic depth, as key players stepped up in the absence of several regulars. The Pelicans mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the final quarter, but Miami's composure and timely scoring bursts ensured they maintained their lead to secure the win.
The Wednesday night encounter saw the Miami Heat establish an early advantage, sprinting to a 19-6 lead in the first quarter and maintaining a 31-25 edge by the period's close. Bam Adebayo was instrumental for Miami, delivering a standout performance with 27 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring the team's efforts on both ends of the court. His presence was critical in navigating the game, especially given the Heat's extensive injury list. Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed significantly off the bench with 23 points, showcasing the team's depth, while Kel'el Ware added 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Despite the Heat's strong start, the Pelicans, led by Zion Williamson's 25 points, demonstrated their fighting spirit. New Orleans briefly took their first lead of the game at 41-40 in the second quarter, following two free throws from Trey Murphy III, who later exited due to right shoulder soreness. However, Miami responded with a 16-9 run to close the first half, taking a 58-55 lead into the intermission. Adebayo's 15 points in the first half were crucial in keeping the Heat ahead.
The third quarter proved decisive for Miami, as they dominated the rebounding battle 17-9, expanding their lead to 92-76 with a three-pointer from Ware. The Heat entered the final period with a 96-85 advantage, which they stretched to 112-95 early in the fourth. The Pelicans, facing a 17-point deficit with just over six minutes remaining, launched a fierce rally, cutting the lead to seven points and then to four with 1:10 left. However, Simone Fontecchio, who finished with 15 points, delivered a crucial three-pointer that ignited an 8-0 run to seal the game for Miami, thwarting New Orleans' comeback efforts.
This win marks the fourth consecutive victory for the Heat against the Pelicans and their 11th in the last 12 meetings, highlighting a significant pattern of success. The short-handed Heat played without several key players, including Norman Powell, Pelle Larsson, Andrew Wiggins, and Tyler Herro, showcasing their remarkable adaptability and collective strength. This victory snapped the Pelicans' two-game winning streak, demonstrating Miami's capacity to perform under challenging circumstances and maintain their competitive edge in the league.