by Rell Wright/Pelican Contributor
The New Orleans Pelicans emphatically avenged their previous altercation-filled encounter with the Miami Heat, cruising to a 111-88 victory in Miami. Led by CJ McCollum’s scintillating 30-point performance and bolstered by Jose Alvarado’s 17 points, the Pelicans seamlessly navigated past a Heat team still marred by injuries and unmet expectations. This clash marked the teams’ first face-off since a contentious game in New Orleans last month, which saw multiple ejections and a bold prediction from Miami’s Jimmy Butler about winning the rematch—a claim that would ultimately fall flat.
Despite missing key player Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans showcased their depth and resilience, with contributions across the board, including 14 points from Trey Murphy III and 13 from Naji Marshall. On the other side, the Heat struggled to find their rhythm, hindered by a dismal 13-for-47 shooting from beyond the arc, and missing vital players like Tyler Herro and Kevin Love. The loss further dims Miami’s playoff prospects, placing them precariously within the play-in tournament range. As the Pelicans look ahead to their next game, their comprehensive victory in Miami sends a resounding message about their capabilities, even in the absence of star players.
