Bobcats vs. Heat: Miami Cruises to Victory over Charlotte

The Charlotte Bobcats fell behind early and never recovered as they lost to the Miami Heat, 90-129, on New Years Day at American Airlines Arena. The Heat shot 60 percent from the field and 64 percent from three-point range while the Bobcats shot 38 percent and 33 percent respectively.

“When you don’t play good offensively then your defense goes down,” said Coach Silas after the game.  “We gave too many run-outs and lay-ups.  We’ll play hard against anybody.  We came out and had some open looks.  If those shots go in, then I think it’s a whole different ballgame.”

D.J. White led the Bobcats with a career-high 21 points (10-12 shooting) including a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the third quarter and Derrick Brown scored 14 points and grabbed a team-high seven rebounds off the bench for the Bobcats. 

“I like the way that D.J. is playing,” said Silas said about White.  “I like his hustle, I think he’s shooting the ball extremely well and he’s learning.”

The Bobcats rookies got some extended minutes as guard Kemba Walker had a career-high17 points while dishing out four assists and Bismack Biyombo had his best game as a pro with six points, six rebounds and two blocks off the bench. 

“D.J. White came in and he did a great job tonight making shots,” said Bobcats forward Corey Maggette.  “Kemba came in and did a great job.  The way Bismack rebounded and made plays (was positive).  There were positive parts from the aspect of our young guys.  Ultimately, we have to make shots and be confident in ourselves.  I put the first blame on myself because as a veteran you are supposed to try to get something going.  We just have to regroup.” 

Chris Bosh had another strong game against the Bobcats with 24 points and 10 rebounds while Dwyane Wade chipped in 22 points and six assists.  LeBron James, Mario Chalmers and rookie Norris Cole scored 16 off the points apiece for the Heat.

“We are all going to take the load off, every night, for each other,” said Bosh.  “That’s what great teams do.  It was just a good night.  We are always going to play, hopefully, good games together.  If one guy is having a better game, then we are going to look for him a lot more.  We all know LeBron can score in bunches.  I’m sure tomorrow night he’ll be a lot more aggressive and he’ll look to score.”

Game Notes:  Miami is 20-10 all-time vs. the Charlotte Bobcats, which includes a 12-3 record here at the American Airlines Arena…  Miami has won a series-tying seven consecutive games overall against Charlotte and the last four meetings at home… 

Heat begins the season 5-0 for the first time franchise history…  They join the Oklahoma City Thunder (5-0) and Portland Trail Blazers (3-0) as the only remaining undefeated teams this season. Portland plays at the Los Angeles Clippers tonight…  Bobcats starters shot 17 of 46 from field goal range… 

 Guard Cory Higgins saw his first action of the season for the Bobcats and had five points and two rebounds…  Tyrus Thomas was listed as active but missed his fourth straight game while recovering from a mild left ankle sprain; Silas says he "hopes" to have him back next week… Reggie Williams and Eddie Najera were also listed on the injury report as they recover from their respective knee surgeries…

The Bobcats will play against Kyrie Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena as the second of a three-game road trip…