Heat vs. Hornets final score: Miami drops final preseason game, 96-89

The Miami Heat lost to the New Orleans Hornets in their final exhibition game, 96-89. The crowd at American Airlines Arena was extremely enthusiastic for a preseason game, but the Heat responded with miscommunication and sloppy play. With the loss, they finish their preseason with a record of 4-4.

New Orleans outscored Miami 24-19 in the fourth quarter. Miami played like it was a preseason game, trying to find their rhythm, making unnecessary turnovers and other mistakes. Chris Bosh led the team in scoring and was one of the better looking Miami players, shooting 8-for-17 and collecting 21 points while adding 10 rebounds. LeBron James was 8-for-17 for 19 points. Dwyane Wade struggled, shooting 7-for-19 for 15 points while turning the ball over seven times. All three men played roughly 30 minutes.

Ray Allen played 30 minutes coming off the bench and had 13 points, going 3-for-10 and 2-for-6 from downtown. Collectively, Miami shot 47.8 percent and made 70 percent of its free throws.

Anthony Davis showed speed and poise in the Hornets' effort, picking up 24 points while going 11-for-18 with 11 rebounds.