February 14th - The Heat defeated the Pelicans 123-111 . In terms of statistics, Adebayo dominated the paint with 27 points , 14 rebounds , and 4 assists; Hex contributed 23 points and 8 rebounds, while Ward had 16 points and 12 rebounds. For the Pelicans, Williamson scored 25 points, Murphy III had 19 points, and Fells had 13 points , 11 rebounds , and 8 assists, but it wasn't enough to prevent the team's loss.

In the first quarter, the Heat quickly established a double-digit lead through teamwork. The Pelicans narrowed the gap with consecutive scores towards the end of the quarter, but their overall defense still struggled to contain their opponents. At the end of the first quarter, the Heat led 31-25 . In the second quarter, the Pelicans rallied to take the lead 46-42 . Facing pressure, the Heat responded by increasing their transition speed and attacking the basket to regain the lead. At halftime, the Heat maintained a slight advantage of 58-55 .

After switching sides, the Heat intensified their offense and defense, quickly extending their lead to 16 points. Adebayo not only scored consecutively but also effectively protected the rebounds, laying the foundation for the team's advantage. Although the Pelicans attempted a comeback later in the quarter, they failed to mount a sustained threat. At the end of the third quarter, the Heat maintained their lead at 96-85 . In the final quarter, the Pelicans' lead once widened to 17 points. Midway through the quarter, the Pelicans narrowed the gap to 4 points, briefly bringing the game back into suspense. At the crucial moment, the Heat steadied themselves and widened the gap again, giving their opponents no chance to reverse the situation. Ultimately, the Heat defeated the Pelicans 123-111.

Heat player statistics

Adebayo had 27 points, 14 rebounds , and 4 assists; Harkless had 23 points , 8 rebounds , and 4 assists; Weir had 16 points and 12 rebounds; Vontaykio had 15 points , 4 rebounds , and 1 assist; Jakucionis had 11 points , 2 rebounds , and 4 assists; Mitchell had 9 points , 2 rebounds , and 5 assists; Gardner had 8 points, 10 rebounds , and 3 assists; Jovic had 8 points and 1 rebound; Smith had 6 points , 3 rebounds, and 4 assists .

Pelicans player statistics

Williamson 25 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Murphy III 19 points, 4 rebounds , 6 assists; Bay 14 points , 9 rebounds , 4 assists; Fells 13 points , 11 rebounds, 8 assists; Quinn 12 points, 5 rebounds; McGowan 12 points , 1 rebound , 3 assists; Jones 7 points , 4 rebounds , 2 assists; Looney 6 points, 9 rebounds; Matkovic 3 points, 1 assist.

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