Heat Light Up Rockets

     The Miami Heat defeated the Houston Rockets 123-106 on Monday night at FTX Arena. The Heat, who continued their long seven-game homestand, stayed atop of the Eastern Conference standings. Miami have been victorious in 17 of their last 20 home contests. 

     Houston(16-49) rolled out to a 32-25 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Miami(44-42) answered back and moved ahead 62-58 at halftime. The Heat began the second half with an 11-5 spurt to get a double-digit lead. They finished the third quarter up 90-78. Miami scored the first five points in the fourth on their way to an 18-point margin midway through the final frame. 

     Tyler Herro put up a game-high 31 points for the Heat. Jimmy Butler contributed 21 points and seven rebounds. P.J. Tucker added a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds and Duncan Robinson dropped in 13 points. Victor Oladipo made his season debut and chalked up 11 points in 15 minutes against his former club. Kevin Porter Jr. led the Rockets with a team-high 22 points and Jalen Green had 20 points.