Heat Hammer Pelicans

     The Miami Heat pounded the New Orleans Pelicans 124-98 at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night. The Heat, who continued their three-game road swing, are tied with the New York Knicks for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Pelicans now have a 17-6 home record. 

     Miami(25-21) marched out to a 36-23 advantage at the end of one quarter. The Heat extended the lead and remained in front 70-51 at halftime. New Orleans(26-19) could not dent the lead and they were down 98-76 at the end of the third quarter. 

     Bam Adebayo had 26 points and eight rebounds for the Heat. Jimmy Butler added 18 points along with seven assists. Max Strus compiled a double-double of 16 points and 10 assists. Tyler Herro dropped in 14 points while Gabe Vincent put in 16 points. C.J. McCollum led the Pelicans with 21 points.