New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson executed a steal on Miami Heat shooting forward Jimmy Butler Friday night and drove to the basket at Smoothie King Center.
Heat center Kevin Love bear-hugged Williamson, who fell hard to court, igniting an on-court brawl. During the mele, Butler and opponent Naji Marshall initiated choking actions against each other with 11:19 to go in the fourth quarter of the visiting Heat’s 106-95 victory.
“I put my hand around his neck; he put his hand around my neck, and it just took off the way it did,” Butler told Bally Sports Sun.
Both Butler and Marshall, along with Heat reserve Thomas Bryant, Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado and a few fans from the first few rows, were subsequently ejected.
“You never want to see that (kind of scuffle),” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, as reported by The Associated Press. “Once it was all done, the response was appropriate — discipline, physicality, force, but not going over the top.”
X (Twitter) users reacted to the Heat responding to the brawl by holding the Pelicans to just four points over the final eight minutes 31 seconds …
Duncan blocked it, Bam sealed it.
17-4 run down the stretch. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Nq7ob48ZW6
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 24, 2024
Playing in their first game after all-star break, the Southeast Division-leading Heat earned their seventh straight win over the Southwest Division-leading Pelicans …
For the first time in 9 days: it’s gametime. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8rbhad1tSA
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 24, 2024
The scuffle …
The full altercation between the Heat and the Pelicans.
Looks like Thomas Bryant may have thrown a punch at Jose Alvarado in front of the scorers table. pic.twitter.com/WiH7CqlcoJ
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) February 24, 2024
A broadcaster pointed to the “damaging clip” on Marshall and Butler …
Naji Marshall choked Jimmy 😬 pic.twitter.com/Bo3NCItnpF
— Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT) February 24, 2024
Butler did not back down during his post-game comments, either …
“We’ll beat them the next time too. We’re just the better team… When we get them on our home court, it’s gonna be a different game. I hope they’re healthy. It’s gonna be the same outcome.”
Jimmy Butler after the Heat beat the Pelicans 🔥
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 24, 2024
Williamson attempted to set an early tone with a spike block. He finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Pelicans (34-23), who maintained a half-game lead over the Dallas Mavericks …
They called goal tend but sheesh 👋 pic.twitter.com/5hXX7WQ5yu
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 24, 2024
Guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. came off the bench to help fuel the first-half effort of the Heat, who led 43-24 at the 8:36 mark of the second quarter …
A Jaime steal & score, we’ll take that.
8-0 run to start the quarter 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xiHYT03OYR
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 24, 2024
Alvarado attempted to fill the void of playing without Brandon Ingram (illness) and guard CJ McCollum (left ankle), who departed after 15 minutes and 1-for-7 shooting. Alvarado finished with a plus-13 rating, while McCollum was minus-18 …
This was an insane finish by Jose Alvarado pic.twitter.com/syaa2UY39e
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) February 24, 2024
Announcer: “Look at the footwork. Oh, that’s just gorgeous. Fading away and stepping through. Using the pivot to perfection.” Butler scored 17 first-half points …
Gotta show the replay to do this justice 😮💨
Jimmy is leading the way with 17 points at the break. pic.twitter.com/wIRiKRlfEu
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 24, 2024
Before his ejection, Butler went up for a lob and converted two of his 23 points. With Butler showing off his athletic skills inside, 3-point shooting proved to be a key. The Heat shot 13 of 29 from beyond the 3-point line, while the Pelicans were 7 of 32 from deep …
Niko throwin’ lobs to Jimmy 🙌 pic.twitter.com/bPkHYYGW16
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 24, 2024
Adebayo scored a team-high 24 points, including 12 in the final frame …
Big bucket from 13.
We lead 94-91 with 6:12 left. Tune in on Bally Sports Sun 📺 pic.twitter.com/n60z4ZwsSg
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 24, 2024
Capping the Heat’s offensive output, Duncan Robinson executed a dunk off an Adebayo assist with 16 seconds remaining. Robinson finished with 17 points …
The ol’ inbounds give & go to put a bow on this one 🎁 pic.twitter.com/lYnUzaTiqz
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 24, 2024
Final score: Heat 106, Pelicans 95 …
It’s beignet pleasure, New Orleans 🤝 pic.twitter.com/p0Zg3U9Rm0
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 24, 2024
Adebayo paused on his way off the court to rehash Friday’s matchup …
Hear Bam Adebayo break down Friday’s W New Orleans 🎙 pic.twitter.com/uK2HwVY6wR
— Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT) February 24, 2024
Heat point guard Tyler Herro scored 15, but appeared to hurt his left knee with 1:40 remaining. After getting help to his feet, Herro hobbled to the locker room. Herro said after the game he was OK. “My knee buckled … structurally, everything was good” …
Checking in on Tyler after tonight’s win vs. the Pelicans ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/UqC9BKbqm5
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 24, 2024
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