The Heat rolled over Charlotte in Game 1 of this first round series Sunday night. Led by Luol Deng (31 points), Hassan Whiteside (21 points), and Dwyane Wade (16 points), the Heat decimated Charlotte from start to finish.
From the get go, the energy in American Airlines Arena was noticeably altering the game in Miami’s favor, with the Heat winning the first quarter 41-22. Deng, a 35% shooter from behind the arc this season, had caught fire early on, shooting 5-5 from the field with multiple threes. Hassan Whiteside (4-4) also came alive, joining forces with Deng in starting one of the greatest offensive performances in Miami Heat Playoff history. With 123 points tonight, the Heat set a franchise record for most points scored in a Playoff game. Yes, that includes the LeBron James teams.
“We played defensively a terrible game”, Charlotte head coach Steve Clifford told reporters. “It’s not like we have to make a lot of adjustments. We have to do it better.”
Simply put, Charlotte was exposed on both ends of the floor. With no answer for Hassan Whiteside or Luol Deng, it’s confidence became severely impacted on the offensive end as a result.
“If Deng and Whiteside are going to combine for those numbers then it’s going to be hard for us to win”, Clifford said.
The Hornets, averaging 22 assists per game this season, recorded just 11 assists to Miami’s 27. On the plus side, Charlotte attempted 37 free throws on the night, with 28 coming in the first half (highest ever for any team in a half vs. Miami in the Playoffs).
Perhaps the most noticeable factor in this game: Rebounding. The Heat dominated in this area, winning the battle 42-28. Aside from rebounding, the Heat’s prime goal tonight was limiting Charlotte’s three point shooting. Charlotte, amongst the best in the league in shooting from behind the arc, attempted just 17 three pointers. This past season, Charlotte had averaged 29 threes attempted per game, ranked fourth in the league.
With Tyler Johnson and Chris Bosh out this game, recently signed CBA forward Dorell Wright got to finish the final minutes of the contest, finishing 3-3 from the field with 8 points and a pair of threes. They may need his presence later in the series or Playoffs, depending on what happens, explaining why giving Wright some playing time now is so vital.
The Heat got out to an insurmountable lead early, tying the most points ever scored in a quarter in franchise Playoff history (41). If the Hornets hope to gain home court advantage and steal Game 2, they’ll need to put pressure on Miami earlier in the outing next time around, and they know that. Expect Charlotte to play much harder in Game 2. If you are a Charlotte fan, hope someone not named Nicolas Batum (24 points) or Kemba Walker (19 points) can provide a boost.
Game 1 star player: Luol Deng, 31 points (11-13 FG), one day after his 31st birthday.
The Heat will host the Hornets in Game 2 on Wednesday, 7:00 on NBATV.
