Southeast Roundup: Heat Struggle, Alexander-Walker Shines, Bridges Urges Wins, Magic Suffer Record Loss
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MIAMI — The Heat surrendered 135 points to the lottery-bound Pacers on Sunday, dropping to 1-7 over their last eight games. Center Bam Adebayo said the collapse stemmed from poor communication. “A lot of the first half was us not communicating, so they get open threes,” he noted.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged growing frustration as Miami prepared to face Philadelphia on Monday. “We’re disappointed, we’re upset, we’re angry,” Spoelstra said. “We need to use it as fuel and bring a great game.”
Alexander-Walker mounts MIP case
In Atlanta, offseason addition Nickeil Alexander-Walker has emerged as a serious Most Improved Player candidate. The 6’6″ guard is averaging 20.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals, a jump from last season’s 9.4-point average with Minnesota. “If you can be a better player, ultimately, it’s going to be better for the team,” he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Bridges pushes Hornets to control destiny
The Hornets woke up Monday in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, part of a tight five-through-10 pack. After two straight losses and with seven games left, forward Miles Bridges stressed urgency. “We don’t want to depend on teams,” he said. “We want to create our own path to the playoffs.”
Magic endure worst defeat in franchise history
Orlando’s playoff hopes took a hit Sunday with a 139-87 loss to Toronto — a 52-point margin, the largest in Magic history. The Raptors also strung together a 31-point run. “I’ve got to do a better job of preparing them,” head coach Jamahl Mosley admitted. “That’s on me.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
