For about 24 minutes, the Miami Heat played some of its most complete basketball of the season. For the next 24 minutes, the Heat reverted to all its worst habits.
A terrible third quarter was almost enough to derail Miami on Friday, but the strong start gave the Heat enough of a cushion to survive for a 106-101 win against the New Orleans Pelicans at AmericanAirlines Arena. The victory snapped a six-game home losing streak for Miami and gave the Heat just its third win in its last 11 games.
The Heat (8-13) had to change plenty to get back on track and start strong in Miami.