Overview
- Miami posted 53 in the first quarter — a franchise record and the NBA’s second-highest opening period — on 67.7% shooting with 10 threes, 13 assists and no turnovers.
- The Heat beat Charlotte 126-108 after surviving a 27-2 Hornets run and a 19-point second quarter, led by Norman Powell’s 25 and strong nights from Andrew Wiggins and Pelle Larsson.
- Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel scored 30 in the loss, with Charlotte missing LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Collin Sexton; Miami was also without Bam Adebayo (toe) and Tyler Herro (ankle).
- Erik Spoelstra coached and won a day after a fire at his Coral Gables home, guiding Miami through its Cup pool opener.
- Miami followed with a 136-131 win over Portland as Nikola Jovic scored a career-high 29 off the bench, moving the Heat to 6-4 and 4-0 at home.