The new-look Miami Heat started 0-3 for the first time in 19 seasons after losing a road game to the Charlotte Hornets, 115-110, on Saturday.
Miami was a 3.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, but found itself down 21 points early in the fourth quarter. The Heat opened the game with a 25-4 run to tie the game at 100, but Miami couldn’t take the lead.
Charlotte made big shots down the stretch for the win, and four Hornet players scored 20 or more points, led by Brandon Miller’s 34.
Here’s a look at some notable box score statistics.
Miami made a seismic move last offseason, adding two-time NBA MVP and ten-time All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo via a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The season, of course, is only three games long and Miami can turn things around in a short amount of time. However, the early comebacks were difficult, with the Heat losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves (131-106) and the Detroit Pistons (128-111) before losing to Charlotte.
Antetokounmpo scored 71 points in the Heat’s first two games, but had a quieter game against Charlotte with just 14 points on 4-of-11 shooting in 25 minutes. Antetokounmpo got into trouble, affecting his playing time, and ultimately fouled out.
Miami is currently facing some problems. On offense, the Heat shot 30.3 percent from three-point range, and given the team’s personnel, it’s fair to wonder if that will improve much unless Miami makes some midseason moves. On defense, the Heat just aren’t doing well, allowing 124.6 points per game, second-highest in the league behind the Sacramento Kings.
So it was hard. Analysts have taken note.
Miami hopes to get its first win on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET against the Dallas Mavericks.
Gn sports
