Heat Hold Off Pelicans

     The Miami Heat knocked off the New Orleans Pelicans 106-95 on Friday night at Smoothie King Center. The Heat are in the middle of six-game road trip and will stay on the road for the remainder of February. It was the first contest for Miami since the NBA All-Star Game break. 

     Miami(31-25) came out of the gates with a 12-4 spurt and had a 31-24 lead at the end of the first quarter. Both teams were tied 58-58 at the midway point. 

     New Orleans(34-23) was still behind 84-80 after three quarters. The Heat stayed in front of the Pelicans during the final quarter. 

     Bam Adebayo led Miami with a club-high 24 points and seven rebounds. Jimmy Butler fell short of a double-double with 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Duncan Robinson added 17 points while Tyler Herro scored 15 points. Zion Williamson ended up with 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for New Orleans.