Charlotte Hornets Tied with Heat at The Half

1st QT -The game started with back-to-back 3-pt baskets by Justise Winslow and Marvin Williams. The crowd seems a little subdued on this chilly Wednesday evening. Both teams have playoff hopes riding on this game. Talking to several members of the Hornets over the past couple of weeks, each member of the team is saying that's this run to postseason is a "one game at a time" approach. I'm sure that's easier said than done given the fact that they are five teams in the mix for the eighth and final spot. (with 7:07 left to play, 10-10)

1st QT cont... At the end of this quarter I realized how balanced and detailed the Heat were in the early going. Four of the team's five starters scored at least five points or more. The highlight of the quarter was the classy standing ovation for future Hall-Of-Famer, Dwyane Wade who is playing in his final game in Charlotte. Earlier this week, Wade became the most prolific shot-blocking guard in NBA history, passing Michael Jordan on the all-time list. For the first time in nine games, the Hornets DID NOT surrender 30 points to an opponent in the first quarter. (29-18 HEAT)

2nd QT - The Hornets came out on a nice 11-4 over the first 5:30 to pull to within 33-32. Charlotte's defense has intensified here in the quarter. That seems to be a pattern with Borrego's team. Specifically, the Hornets give up big quarters only to settle down and have to play catch-up. (with 6:08 left to play, Heat 35 Hornets 32)

2nd QT cont... Charlotte settled down defensively, surrendering just 14 points in the quarter, heading into the locker room tied at 43. Kemba Walker leads all scorers with 13 points. Kelly Olynyk scored 12 points for the Heat. Statistically speaking, both teams shot around 40 percent, the Hornets made one more 3-pt basket than the Heat did (7-6). (43-43 TIE)