NBA Playoffs 2016: Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat Game 5 Preview
The first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs series between the Miami Head and Charlotte Hornets seems to be headed down the wire, as both teams are now tied 2-2.
Game Five is set to take place on Wedneday, April 27th, at the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami.
The third-seeded Heat were able to convincingly defeat their opponents in Game one last April 17th, ending the contest with a final score of 123-91. In the said game, forward Luol Deng was the top scorer, finishing the night with 31 points and seven rebounds.
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Miami emerged victorious once again in Game two last April 20th, beating the Hornets with a final score of 115-103. This time, mainstay Dwyane Wade was the main contributor for his team, scoring 28 points, along with eight assists.
Charlotte bounced back big time in Game three last April 23rd, when the venue shifted to the Time Warner Cable Arena. Having snapped a 14-year playoff drought, the Hornets were able to win convincingly, with a final score of 96-80.
Off the bench guard Jeremy Lin was the highest scorer of his team, ending the game with 18 points, along with four assists.
Starting guard Kemba Walker, also made significant contributions, scoring 17 points, along with seven assists.
The Hornets put on a repeat performance in Game four last April 25th, albeit a more tightly-contested, winning with a final score of 89-85. Walker was once again the main man for his team, scoring 34 points, helping Charlotte even the series and keep their playoff hopes alive.
As Game five heads back to Miami, the Hornets are hoping to keep their aggressive performance, aiming to secure another victory.
"We have to find a way to carry this defense on the road," Hornets head coach Steve Clifford said.
The Heat, on the other hand, are wary of this, and are looking to make the necessary adjustments.
"We've probably fouled more in these four games than we have in the last four weeks. But you have to give them credit," said Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra. "They're aggressive."
