Charlotte Hornets fall to Miami Heat in eighth consecutive loss

Nov 12, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson (55) attempts a three point shot over Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) during the first half at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson (55) attempts a three point shot over Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) during the first half at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Hornets fell to the Miami Heat by a final score of 132-115 on Saturday night, marking the eighth consecutive defeat for the Hornets.

Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 22 points, while Max Strus carried the Heat with 31 points.

Charlotte is now 3-11 after beginning the year 3-3 and has lost 10 of its last 11 games.

What went right for the Charlotte Hornets?

LaMelo Ball returns 

LaMelo Ball made his long-awaited return on Saturday night after missing the first 13 games of the season with an ankle sprain suffered during the preseason. Ball posted 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in 28 minutes of action. While he did struggle shooting the ball to the tune of 6/17 from the field and 1/9 from three-point range, Ball figures to get even better as he gets back up to speed in the games to come.

Kelly Oubre Jr.’s strong play continues

Kelly Oubre Jr. provided solid play for Charlotte, posting 20 points and 8 rebounds on 8/16 shooting. In four games over the past week, Oubre Jr. has averaged 21.3 points and 6.0 rebounds on 42.7% shooting. In the 10 games prior, he averaged 17.4 points, 4.3 rebounds on 41.7% shooting.

What went wrong for the Charlotte Hornets?

Defense 

The Hornets allowed the Heat to score 132 points, the second-highest mark of any Charlotte opponent and the most of any opponent in a non-overtime game. Miami shot 52.7% from the field and 39.0% from three-point range, the third-highest marks allowed by Charlotte through their first 14 games.

Third quarter woes continue

After leading by two points at halftime, Charlotte was outscored by a 45-25 margin in the third quarter. Miami’s field goal percentage (76.2%), three-point percentage (66.7%), and scoring output (45) were all season highs in a quarter by a Charlotte opponent. The Hornets have now been outscored by 62 points in the third quarter this season, tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the second-worst third quarter point differential in the league behind only the Minnesota Timberwolves.

What is next for the Charlotte Hornets?

Monday, November 14th- at Orlando Magic (7:00 p.m. ET)