In what was an intense series for Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets fans, the series was finally decided in a 106-73 blowout victory for the Heat in game seven. Led by point guard Goran Dragic, the Heat took control early in the third quarter and never looked back as Dragic, Wade and others ended the Hornets season in the worst way possible.
Dragic scored 25 points and carried his form over from game six. Dragic’s energy was key to the Heat taking control in the second half. Hassan Whiteside also played a pivotal role with his elite rim protection. Whiteside and his unbelievable shot blocking ability led many Hornets players to take jumpers from mid or three point range. This effected Kemba Walker most of all, with the Hornets star point guard finishing with just nine points in 36 minutes. Whiteside had a series best five blocks.
Goran Dragic Helps Heat Win Game Seven
Dwyane Wade didn’t stun with his numbers in the game but his leadership skills are priceless, especially in such an important game. Wade is an emotional figure on this Heat team and was even seen tearing up whilst listening to the National Anthem.
Wade had this to say after the game, “I’m not a prophet or anything, but I knew we were winning this game.”
This victory by the Heat was the fifth largest winning margin (33) in NBA Playoff game seven history. It was also the largest in franchises history for Miami.
The Heat were very impressive in this game but not in the series; not to take anything away from the Hornets but a team like the Heat should be putting a series like this away in five or six games. Despite that criticism they still deserve some credit, as this Heat team was victorious in seven games without star player Chris Bosh. They showed the can overcome whatever comes at them, or at least they have so far. But with role players like Luol Deng, Josh Richardson and Joe Johnson, Miami has the potential to meet the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. This was their first test and there should be more to come.
The Miami Heat head to Toronto for round two of the playoffs, after the Raptors came through in their game seven against Indiana. Beating the Pacers 89-84 may look good, but the Raptors have some work to do themselves if they are to beat Miami. The Raptors should come in a as favorites but the Heat will not be an easy out. Toronto will travel to South Beach three times in the series, something Heat fans will surely relish.
