Charlotte Hornets Stumble Down the Stretch, Fall to the Miami Heat, 108-101

Kemba Walker‘s 33 points proved to be no match for Dion Waiters‘ heroics as the Charlotte Hornets dropped an important game to the Miami Heat.

The Charlotte Hornets (28-36) were defeated by the Miami Heat (31-34) as they struggled late in the game to keep pace with Dion Waiters and the home team. Kemba Walker’s one-man show wasn’t enough to get the victory in this one. This is a tough loss for Charlotte as it sets them back even farther in the playoff race.

Ramon Sessions (knee surgery), Miles Plumlee (calf strain) and Frank Kaminsky (AC joint sprain) all sat out with their respective injuries. During the broadcast, Stephanie Ready reported that Plumlee’s about 10-12 days away from returning. The Hornets received more bad injury news this as Johnny O’Bryant suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter and didn’t return while Nicolas Batum also suffered an ankle injury int he second half but he later returned.

Turning Point

The Hornets led 86-81 at the end of the third but a 15-3 run from the Heat to start the fourth changed the complexion of the game as Miami took a 96-89 lead. From that point on, Charlotte was playing catch up. They had a few chances late but Dion Waiters’ heroics coupled with poor defense and rebound from the Hornets ultimately doomed the visitors.

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Who Stepped Up

This is becoming a trend as Kemba Walker led the Hornets once again. He finished this one with a game-high 33 points to go along with four rebounds. Although, he only had one assist on the night which is a knock on not only his playmaking but also his teammate’s ability to make shots. Nicolas Batum added 16 points and seven rebounds.

Marvin Williams chipped in with a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double while Michael Kidd-Gilchrist scored 12 points. Jeremy Lamb and Marco Belinelli each led Charlotte’s second unit with eight points off of the bench.

The Heat was led by Dion Waiters who had 24 points, five assists and three boards. Goran Dragic has a big night as he recorded 22 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Luke Babbit scored 12 points while Hassan Whiteside grabbed a double-double with 10 points and 15 boards.

Play of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

• Marco Belinelli made his 900th career free throw in this one.
• Williams made his 700th career three-pointer.
• Marvin also recorded his fifth double-double of the season and 50th of his career.
• Kemba has now scored 25+ points in six consecutive games marking a career-high.
• Miami’s bench outscored Charlotte’s second unit 40-18.

With the loss, the Hornets fall to 2-1 against the Heat in their season series. The two teams will meet once more this year on April 5th in Charlotte. Even though the Hornets still lead in the series, Miami increased their lead in the playoff race.

Next: Kemba Wants to be Considered Among the Elites

In their next game, the Charlotte Hornets will return home to host the Orlando Magic. It will be the third of four total meeting this season as Steve Clifford’s side looks to take a 3-0 lead in the season series with a win. The team will attempt to rebound from this tough loss.