The Miami Heat defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 120 - 112, at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday. Despite the Heat leading for nearly the entirety of this game, this fixture was closer than it looks. In fact, there were eight ties and six lead changes in total, with a double - digit lead being held for just four of the 48 minutes. Rebounding was decisive, with Miami winning that battle, 45 - 38. Free-throw shooting was also key, with the Heat shooting 84 percent to New Orleans 68 percent. The Pelicans (27 - 41) continue to search for their rhythm with DeMarcus Cousins now in the fold, as they have just three wins in 10 games with him in the lineup. Cousins played well here though, finishing with 19 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Anthony Davis led the team, as he collected 27 points, eight rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Jrue Holiday amassed 11 points, four rebounds and eight assists. E'Twaun Moore came off the bench to provide 18 points on 8 - of - 12 shooting. On deck for New Orleans is a home matchup against the Houston Rockets on Friday. The Heat (33 - 35) have now won five of their last six games, with this win giving them a tie for the eight - seed in the east. Goran Dragic returned from his eye injury to lead Miami with 33 points and five rebounds on 11 - of - 18 shooting. Hassan Whiteside totaled 10 points and 17 rebounds on 9 - of - 11 from the field. Wayne Ellington led the bench with 19 points, while Tyler Johnson and James Johnson combined for 20 points, seven rebounds, 13 assists and three steals off the pine as well. Miami will look to keep rolling on Friday in a home matchup versus the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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 "PlayerStat(G,'Jrue Holiday') has 8 Assists ,has 11 Blocks ,has 4 3-pointers attempted ."
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 "PlayerStat(G,'Hassan Whiteside') has 11 Assists ,has 9 Blocks ,has 17 3-pointers attempted ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Goran Dragic') has 18 Assists ,has 11 Blocks ,has 33 3-pointers attempted ,has 5 Field goals attempted ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Wayne Ellington') has 19 Assists ."]