Heat Hold Off Pelicans

     The Miami Heat handled the New Orleans Pelicans 123-111 at Smoothie King Arena on Wednesday night. It was the final contest for Heat prior to the NBA All-Star Game break. 

     Miami(29-27) had a 31-25 advantage by the end of the opening quarter. New Orleans(15-41) cut the deficit down during the second quarter and trailed 58-55 at halftime. 

     The Heat went on a spurt late in the third quarter and led 96-85 at the end of the frame. The Pelicans scored 10 straight points and were down 112-105 with 4:47 remaining in the fourth quarter. Simone Fontecchio scored a three-point shot with 54.4 seconds left for a seven-point margin to put the game away. 

     Bam Adebayo finished with 26 points along with 13 rebounds while Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 21 points for Miami. Kel'el Ware compiled a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Myron Gardner fell short of a double-double of eight points and 10 rebounds. 

     Zion Williamson led New Orleans with team-high 25 points. Trey Murphy III was able to contribute 19 points in the loss.