Heat Edge Hornets in Charlotte's home opener

The Charlotte Hornets fell in their home opener to the Miami Heat on Saturday night, 114-106. Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro combined for 48 points in the Heat win, while former Hornet Terry Rozier added 19 points.

Best of the Night: LaMelo Ball

His per-game average will drop after only putting up 27 points tonight, but I guess you can't go for 34 every time you touch the floor, right? In all seriousness, another solid night for the face of the Hornets' franchise although he cooled off from the perimeter, going 2-10 from downtown.

Worst of the Night: Health

Honestly, there wasn't one area of the game or one player that truly stood out as a pivotal factor in the game. If anything, the Hornets' depth hurt their chances of winning this one. They played a tough Miami team essentially down to the wire and there's nothing I took away from this game as alarming. Miami just had more of its top guys on the floor.

Stat of the Night: 19,102 fans

The Hornets announced after the game that tonight's home opener was officially a sell out. Of course, not every single seat was filled, but it was still a pretty packed Spectrum Center, and the hive was certainly alive.

Highlight of the Night: Honoring Big Pat

The Hornets did a tremendous job of paying tribute to the late Pat Doughty, the Hornets' PA announcer who passed away over the summer. Instead of asking for a moment of silence, they asked fans to get loud and used a recording of Pat asking the fans to get hyped. Such a cool moment for an incredible person.

The late Pat “Big Pat” Doughty the 20-Year voice of @spectrumcenter honored at halftime. @hornets #HiveMentality pic.twitter.com/fGjeemNkNj
— Will Palaszczuk (@WilliePStyle) October 27, 2024

Next up: Wednesday vs. Toronto Raptors, 7 p.m. EST.

Best of the Night: LaMelo Ball

Worst of the Night: Health

Stat of the Night: 19,102 fans

Highlight of the Night: Honoring Big Pat

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