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Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on Kel'el Ware in debut: 'I was encouraged by how he played'

Kel'el Ware had a productive preseason debut with the Miami Heat on Tuesday, and the 15th pick in the NBA draft earned praise from head coach Erik Spoelstra afterward.

Ware tied a team high with 13 points, five rebounds, four blocked shots, two steals and one assist in a 111-108 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on the road. He finished by shooting 5-of-9 from the field, including 1-of-3 from 3-point range, in 16 minutes off the bench.

The 7-footer led the second unit in scoring after throwing down several dunks in pick-and-roll situations.