We are just one week away from the start of the 2017-2018 NBA season. The preseason started about a week ago and there have already been some interesting matchups. On Monday night, there were several interesting games played, including the matchup between the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets.
The Heat survive in a thriller
Eric Spoelstra's squad opened the game with a big first quarter, outscoring the Hornets 36-29 in the opening period. Charlotte bounced back in the second quarter, outscoring Miami 33-18 in the second period and taking a 62-54 lead at halftime.
It was a back-and-forth third quarter, with both teams scoring at a high rate. Heading into the final period of the game, the Hornets held an 89-85 lead. The game was close until the end, but the Heat managed to win it narrowly. They held Charlotte to just 17 points in the fourth quarter and celebrated a 109-106 victory.
Several players played well for the Heat in their win over the Hornets. The Heat had seven players score in double figures, with Josh Richardson leading the way with 18 points and four rebounds. Tyler Johnson also added 18 points off the bench, while Dion Waiters finished the game with 14 points and eight assists for Miami. Hassan Whiteside had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
For the Hornets, it was their rookie Malik Monk that led them in scoring with 19 points off the bench, and he also added four assists. Dwight Howard finished the game with 16 points and six rebounds, while Kemba Walker contributed with 11 points and three assists.
Rockets cruise past the Knicks in a blowout victory
The New York Knicks hosted the Houston Rockets at their Madison Square Garden in New York, hoping to get their first preseason win.
The Rockets were in control of this game from the opening tip, as they outscored the Knicks 35-21 in the first period. At halftime, the score was 59-51 in favor of the away squad. The Rockets went on to score 32 points in the third quarter, and heading into the final period of the game they held a 91-71 lead. Houston closed out the game easily, 117-95.
James Harden put on a show at Madison Square Garde once again, as he finished the game with 36 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds for the Rockets. Clint Capela added 19 points and nine rebounds, while Eric Gordon finished with 18 points for Houston.
Tim Hardaway Jr. was the leading scorer for the Knicks on Monday night with 21 points. Michael Beasley added 17 points and four rebounds off the bench, while Enes Kanter finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.
