The Miami Heat and host New Orleans Pelicans each will put modest win streaks on the line when they meet for the second and final time of the season Thursday.
The Heat have won three consecutive games and they finish a six-game road trip against a Pelicans team that has won four games in a row.
“We’re just playing at an extremely high level,” said Jimmy Butler, who scored 19 points in a 121-100 victory at Washington on Monday. “Our energy’s been there, and it’s also good to win on the road.”
Eastern Conference-leading Miami lost the first two games of the road trip at Boston and Toronto before starting the win streak, which earned Heat coach Erik Spoelstra the spot as coach of Team Durant in the All-Star Game on Feb. 20 in Cleveland.
“I remember in the beginning of December when we were back in the standings, it seemed like a little bit out of reach, but guys continued to grind,” Spoelstra said of the honor, which went to the staff of the conference leader through Sunday’s games.
The Heat shot 56.6 percent from the field against the Wizards, including 56.3 percent on 3-pointers (18 for 32).
“We’ve been making shots, which is great for us,” Butler said. “When we make shots, we look like a really good team.”
Bam Adebayo scored 21 points, including 14 in the third quarter, as the Heat took command. Miami never trailed and took a 98-70 lead early in the fourth quarter after completing a 22-1 run.
“Bam on this road trip has been making some great plays in knowing when to go aggressive and score and knowing when to find somebody else for an easy basket,” Spoelstra said. “That’s always a tough balance when you’re a great player.”
While Miami is finishing a six-game road trip, New Orleans began a six-game homestand with a 110-97 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.
The victory came just hours after the Pelicans completed a seven-player trade with Portland. Guard CJ McCollum is headed to New Orleans along with forwards Larry Nance Jr. and Tony Snell.
The Pelicans gave up starting guard Josh Hart and rotation guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker as well as Tomas Satoransky, Didi Louzada and three draft choices.
“It was definitely an emotional day for us,” said the Pelicans’ Jaxson Hayes, who had 14 points against Houston. “We are losing our brothers. But, also it’s a good day because we are getting new teammates so we are getting new brothers.”
Hart and Alexander-Walker watched Tuesday’s game from courtside in street clothes and were embraced by coach Willie Green and teammates after the win.
“The whole day was kind of difficult for me,” said Brandon Ingram, who led the Pelicans with 26 points. “We lost some great players, but they’re some really good guys (too).”
New Orleans hopes to have the newcomers, especially McCollum, available against the Heat. McCollum brings much-needed outside shooting ability.
“I think it’s going to elevate our group,” Green said of McCollum’s arrival. “CJ has seen it all. He’s been in the league for a decade, (he’s) been to a conference championship. He’s won at extremely high levels. He’s a pro, and we need guys like him to elevate on the court.”
–Field Level Media
