National Basketball Association

Pre-season Game Recap: Miami Heat vs Washington Wizards 10/04/16

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Hassan Whiteside leads Heat past Wizards, 106-95

October 4, 2016

If pre-season form is any indication, the Miami Heat could certainly surprise a few people this season.

Hassan Whiteside had 20 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks, and newcomer Luke Babbitt scored 14 points including 4-5 from behind three, as the Miami Heat kicked off their pre-season with a 106-95 win over the Washington Wizards. Whiteside was particularly dominant early, scoring 16 points on 7-8 shooting in the first quarter.

Another newcomer, Dion Waiters, showed great spark off the bench contributing 12 points and eight assists in 22 minutes of action in his maiden game for the Heat. All of Waiters’ points were scored at the rim, whilst he also set up teammates for a number of open looks. Second-year forward Justise Winslow also scored 12 points in what was a very even team performance for the Heat.

The Heat had a vastly new looking starting lineup. Incumbent guards Goran Dragic and Tyler featured alongside Winslow, Babbitt and Whiteside. Yet another newcomer to impress was forward James Johnson, who contributed seven points and seven rebounds in 18 minutes of action.

Miami led the Wizards 61-44 at the main break and never looked back, with most of the starters playing very little in the final term. Ball movement was certainly a feature for the Heat. On top of Waiters’ contributions, starting point guard Dragic contributed five assists along with nine points and two steals, whilst backup point guard Briante Weber also contributed five assists.

Miami’s next game will be at home on Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

SIDE NOTES:

Guard Josh Richardson (knee) and forward Josh McRoberts (foot) were inactive for the game.

The Heat shot 55.1 percent from the field and won the rebounding battle, 46-40.

The Heat used 14 players on the night and as a team hit 11 three-pointers at a very promising 47.8 percent.