It was a record-breaking performance in a game that had little meaning for the Miami Heat.
They defeated the Pelicans by 49 points on Friday night, the second-largest margin of victory in franchise history. Not to mention scoring 153 points, which is a franchise record for most points scored in a single game.
It was one of the largest blowouts in Heat history.
Instead of sitting out players to improve their draft position, knowing they would most certainly be the 10-seed, they had a morale-boosting victory following a dismal loss in Chicago two days before.
For a club that has struggled to score for the majority of the season, Miami’s excellent offensive performance against a weakened Pelicans team is surprising. Everyone was clicking today, and Miami made history by doing so.
Miami saw ten players score in double digits, setting another team record. That is the most guys on a squad to score double digits in a single game since the Suns in 1994.
Andrew Wiggins was the only player who was out of sync on offense. Wiggins is only in his second game back from a hamstring ailment that forced him to miss six consecutive games. Still, the Heat didn’t need him to perform well on Friday.
But, as electrifying as this performance was, it did not alter Miami’s fate. After the Hawks and Bulls won earlier this week, Miami’s road to the play-in round was clear. On Wednesday, April 16, they will face the Bulls in an elimination game at the United Center.
Will the Heat rest their starters for the season finale on Sunday? That’s the wise move. Their destiny is sealed, and they will need to relax before next week’s play-in.
Because that is all it boils down to now: one game, win or go home. While this blowout will not change the season, it may serve as a reminder of the Heat’s potential when everything comes together. The true test, however, comes on Wednesday.
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