In a thrilling preseason matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans fell just short against the Miami Heat, losing 101-99 at the Kaseya Center. The game came down to the final seconds, where rookie guard Antonio Reeves misfired on a potential game-winning three-point attempt.
Despite a valiant effort that saw the Pelicans erase a 20-point deficit, their comeback came up one possession short. Reeves’ last-second shot, a tough turnaround from the corner, bounced off the rim, sealing the loss. Earlier, Elfrid Payton had tied the game with a clutch runner in the lane, but Miami regained the lead on free throws in the closing moments.
Zion Williamson continued his impressive preseason form, leading the Pelicans with 13 points in just 17 minutes. Williamson showcased his versatility, notably sinking a mid-range jumper over Miami’s Bam Adebayo. Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum added to the offensive output, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively, in limited minutes.
Murray was particularly effective from mid-range, while McCollum connected on two three-pointers in the second quarter. On defense, rookie Yves Missi made his presence felt, blocking four shots in 15 minutes of action, while Malcolm Hill added 12 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Pelicans outscore the Heat 32-23 in the final frame.
Despite the loss, the Pelicans can take away some positives from their all-reserve unit, which played a crucial role in the comeback. However, the defeat highlights areas of improvement, particularly in late-game execution. As the preseason progresses, the Pelicans will need to tighten up defensively and find more consistent offensive contributions from their starters to avoid such nail-biting finishes.
