Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets: Five Major Takeaways

The Miami Heat improved to 7-4 on the regular season following a 111-105 victory against the Charlotte Hornets.

Here’s a look at the five biggest takeaways:

1. Haywood Highsmith and Bam Adebayo are an elite defensive duo.

The two most impressive Heat players in recent weeks are Adebayo and Highsmith. Their lockdown defense is a key reason for Miami’s recent success. Highsmith concluded the game with five steals and two blocks, while Adebayo recorded three steals and one block.

2. Miami needs to focus on preventing players from getting off to a hot start.

Hornets forward P.J. Washington scored 32 points on 54.5 percent shooting in the loss. He started the game 4 of 4 from beyond the arc, creating early problems for Miami. When they face teams such as the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, stopping hot streaks is crucial.

3. Jimmy Butler showed his ability to take over games.

Butler stepped up in the continual absence of star Tyler Herro. He finished the night with 32 points, five assists, and two steals on 71.4 percent shooting. He is showing his worth as a prominent scoring option when Adebayo or Herro have off nights.

4. Josh Richardson needs to solve his problems from three-point range.

For Richardson to remain relevant in Miami’s lineup, he must find ways to contribute offensive production. He shot 0 of 4 from beyond the arc in the first half, finishing the night 0 of 6. The Heat’s depth at the forward position could push Richardson down the depth chart as the season continues.

5. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Duncan Robinson answered all of the Hornets fourth-quarter attacks.

After trailing at the end of the first quarter, Miami never looked back. They outscored Charlotte 87-72 in the final three quarters. Jaquez and Robinson provided the majority of the scoring down the stretch, combining for 35 points on 14 of 26 shooting.

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.

He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @anthonypasci

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