2/28/2026 | USA | sports | ✓ Verified - abcnews.com

Adebayo scores 24, Larsson adds 20 and Heat hold off Rockets, 115-105

#NBA #Basketball #Miami Heat #Houston Rockets #Bam Adebayo #Pelle Larsson #Jabari Smith Jr. #Norman Powell #Injury #Game Recap #Score #February 28, 2026

📌 Key Takeaways

Heat defeated Rockets 115-105.
Bam Adebayo scored 24 points and had 11 rebounds for the Heat.
Pelle Larsson scored 20 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter for the Heat.
Rockets played without Jabari Smith Jr. (sprained ankle).
Heat were without Norman Powell (groin strain).
Heat overcame an early Rockets lead with a 37-14 run.
The game remained relatively close after the first quarter.

📖 Full Retelling

Bam Adebayo scored 24 points and Pelle Larsson added 20 as the Miami Heat defeated the Houston Rockets 115-105 on Saturday in Miami. The game saw a significant early lead change, with the Rockets initially taking a 14-4 advantage before the Heat responded with a 37-14 run to gain a 41-28 lead. The game remained competitive throughout, with neither team holding a double-digit lead in the second half until late in the fourth quarter. The Rockets played without Jabari Smith Jr., who is sidelined with a sprained ankle. The Heat were without Norman Powell due to a groin strain.

🏷️ Themes

NBA Basketball, Team Performance, Injury Impact, Game Summary, Team Strategy

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

The Miami Heat defeated the Houston Rockets in a closely contested game, highlighting the competitive landscape of the NBA. Key players from both teams delivered strong performances, showcasing individual talent and team dynamics. The game's outcome has implications for playoff positioning and team morale.

Context & Background

NBA regular season game
Rockets missing key player Jabari Smith Jr.
Heat dealing with Norman Powell's injury
Importance of team depth and player availability

What Happens Next

The Rockets will travel to Washington for a game on Monday without Jabari Smith Jr. The Heat will host the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. These upcoming games will test the teams' resilience and ability to overcome player absences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the leading scorers for the Heat?

Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 24 points, followed by Pelle Larsson with 20 points.

What was the injury status of Jabari Smith Jr.?

Jabari Smith Jr. is sidelined with a sprained right ankle and is not expected to play in the game against Washington.

Who is Norman Powell and why is his absence significant?

Norman Powell is a Heat player who is out for at least a week with a groin strain, impacting the team's depth.

What was the score of the game?

The Miami Heat defeated the Houston Rockets 115-105.

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Original Source

              Adebayo scores 24, Larsson adds 20 and Heat hold off Rockets, 115-105 Bam Adebayo had 24 points and 11 rebounds, Pelle Larsson scored 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and the Miami Heat beat the Houston Rockets 115-105 on Saturday By TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer February 28, 2026, 6:15 PM MIAMI -- Bam Adebayo had 24 points and 11 rebounds, Pelle Larsson scored 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and the Miami Heat beat the Houston Rockets 115-105 on Saturday. Tyler Herro scored 18, Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 14 and Kel’el Ware had a 13-point, 15-rebound game for the Heat. Andrew Wiggins — who needed eight stitches to close a laceration inside his mouth — had 12 points for Miami. Kevin Durant finished with 32 points, eight assists and six rebounds for the Rockets, who got 20 points from Amen Thompson and 14 from Reed Sheppard. Both teams had double-digit leads early; the Rockets ran out to a quick 14-4 edge, the Heat answered with a 37-14 run to take a 41-28 lead. And then things settled down, with the sides staying relatively close the rest of the way. Neither team had a double-digit lead in the second half until Larsson hit a pair of free throws with 1:52 left for a 113-103 lead. The Rockets played without Jabari Smith Jr., sidelined with a sprained right ankle. He isn't expected to play in Washington on Monday either. “We'll target when we return home,” said Rockets coach Ime Udoka, who put Sheppard into the starting lineup in Smith's place. Meanwhile, Miami was without Norman Powell — who'll miss at least one week with a right groin strain, sustained Thursday in a Heat loss at Philadelphia. Herro, who has been working his way back from injury as well, got the start in Powell's spot. Popular Reads Iran live updates: Trump confirms Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead 1 hour ago Hillary Clinton after Epstein deposition says she was asked about UFOs, 'Pizzagate' Feb 26, 8:18 PM Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, she...
            

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