The Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 114-99, at FTX Arena on Friday evening.

The Heat (4-1) and the Hornets (4-2) have been two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season, but Miami got the best of this matchup thanks to a strong start and they never looked back. Miami jumped out to a 33-22 lead in the first quarter, and they bolstered that lead following a 31-24 score in the second quarter. Charlotte responded with a 29-20 score in the third quarter, but that was just an ocean in the desert. Miami restored the lead with a 30-24 score in the fourth quarter and that was enough to get the win. Miami shot 47.3 percent from the field, while Charlotte shot just 38.9 percent from the floor.

Jimmy Butler was the best player for the Heat since he ended with 32 points and 10 rebounds, but he also had five assists. Bam Adebayo also posted a double-double since he ended with 26 points and 19 points but also added two assists. Duncan Robinson finished with 10 points, while Tyler Herro had an excellent game off the bench since he ended with 26 points, six assists and five rebounds.

Gordon Hayward was the best player for Charlotte since he ended with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Miles Bridges ended with 22 points and eight rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. ended with 17 points and four boards, while LaMelo Ball only mustered six points while adding six assists and five boards. Cody Martin also had a good game off the bench with 15 points, three boards and two dimes.