Unable to hit 3-point shots, the Hornets find themselves down 2-0 against the Miami Heat in a series that has largely been one-sided
Game 1 recap: The Heat won easily, 123-91, scoring 41 points in the 1st quarter and running away with the game from there. The Hornets never lead, and allowed 56 points in the paint. Coming in as the best defensive rebounding team in the league, Charlotte was out-rebounded by Miami 49-37, allowing 14 offensive rebounds. While Nicolas Batum and Kemba Walker scored 24 and 19 points, respectively, they combined for just two assists, and the rest of the starters combined for just 19 points.
Defensively, the Hornets were unable to contain Luol Deng, who finished with 31 points on 11-13 shooting. Hassan Whiteside finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade finished with 16 points.
Game 2 recap: The Hornets got off to a better start offensively, and were tied with Miami 29-29 at the end of the 1st quarter. Things began to unravel mid-way through the 2nd quarter however, with Miami scoring 43 points in the quarter, and finishing the half shooting an absurd 74.4 percent from the field. Down 72-60 at the half, Charlotte would make a late run in the 4th quarter after being down as much as 18 in the second half, cutting it to six points at one point, but it would be too late to make a serious comeback, and Miami would win 115-103.
Charlotte did manage to out-rebound Miami 54-40, and outscored them in the paint 48-46. However, they shot just 1-16 from the 3-point line, compared to Miami’s 9-16, and scored just one fastbreak point compared to Miami’s 15.
The Good: Walker has made the most with what’s been given to him, scoring 19 and 29 points in the first two games. In Game 2 in particular, he attacked Miami’s defense aggressively, taking the lead on many plays. Jefferson’s Game 2 performance was a throwback to two seasons ago, with the big man scoring 25 points on 12-17 shooting, dominating Whiteside in the post. Batum had a strong Game 1, and Jeremy Lin has provided some spark offensively off the bench.
The Bad: Where to start. The most jarring stat of both games is the Hornets’ 3-point shooting. Through two games, they are shooting just 7-33 from beyond the arc. Marvin Williams, whose 3-point shooting has been integral in creating open shots from the outside for others, is shooting 1-17 from the field through two games, and has yet to make a 3-pointer. In Game 2, he air-balled at least three shots, and looks visibly uncomfortable on the floor. Rookie Frank Kaminsky hasn’t attempted a 3-point either, and has attempted just one shot. Unable to hit 3-point shots, the Hornets are settling for mid-range jumpshots, which goes against their offensive identity. Despite Jefferson’s strong Game 2 performance, Miami made no adjustment to double him, and instead continued to contain the Hornets’ outside shooters. It worked almost to perfection.
Defensively, Charlotte looked better in stretches in Game 2, but the run by Miami in the second quarter nullified their good work in the 1st. Shooting 74.4 percent as a team for a half is unbelievable, and yet Miami did it comfortably. Aside from getting Whiteside into foul trouble in Game 2, they’ve had little answer to him in the post.
And then there’s the injury to Batum, who re-injured his left ankle he rolled roughly two weeks ago against Boston. The early prognosis isn’t good, and it looks like Batum could potentially be out for the series.
Looking Ahead: The Hornets will need to find a way to knock down 3-point shots, or this series will be over after four games. Spencer Hawes will likely see a lot more time in the rotation with his ability to hit the open 3-point shot and move the ball. With Batum out, and Williams’ and Kaminky’s inability to score, the Hornets will need Hawes to fill that role. Jeremy Lamb or Troy Daniels may seem time as well with Batum out, and if either can provide a hint of scoring, it will give Charlotte a chance at home.
If Miami cools off offensively, and the Hornets can get back to their identity as a 3-point shooting team, Charlotte could potentially make a series out of this in the next two games. They were one of best teams in the Eastern Conference at home, and Miami struggled on the road. That said, Charlotte has played so uncharacteristically this series that even home court may not matter. The series is more than likely over, but Charlotte can at least use the next two games to end their playoff losing streak (which stands at 12 games) and gain some confidence back.
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