How Will Miami Heat Control The Pace From Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges
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Terry Rozier has stepped up big since Lamelo Ball injured his ankle on November 26th.
The Numbers
Rozier is averaging 22.6 points and seven assists per game this season. The Charlotte Hornets are 7-13 and in 13th place in the Eastern Conference. He has averaged 9.8 points, three assists, and three rebounds in 23 career games versus the Miami Heat.
They have had his number, but he has been solid against them lately. Rozier didn't play in the In-Season Tournament game versus the Heat last month because of a groin injury. His best performance against them came last season with 31 points, seven assists, and six rebounds.
Rozier has taken about 20 field goal attempts per game the last five games.
So far this season, 61.7 percent of Rozier’s baskets are unassisted. He’s not shy, especially with Ball now out of the lineup.
Rozier is taking about five attempts in the restricted area per game. He does most of his work in the second half, averaging eight points in the fourth quarter.
While Rozier is getting plenty of shots, he is still spreading the ball around. His favorite target has been Miles Bridges, with 20 of his assists going to him. Bridges has also been off to a hot start since returning from suspension.
Bridges is averaging 20 points and seven rebounds per game on 50/84/42 splits. He’s more of a catch-and-shoot guy, as 75.7 percent of his points are assisted.
The Hornets are tied for 13th in pace, while the Heat are tied for 24th. The Heat will have to slow these two guys down to get the win tonight.
It's been a struggle without Bam Adebayo defensively, but the Heat must steady the ship until help arrives.
Devin Brown is a contributing writer to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at dbrwnjr@gmail.com or Twitter @dbrwnjr.
