Pelicans-Heat: New Orleans commits 24 turnovers | Pelicans

To provide an offensive spark, CJ McCollum drove into a thicket of Miami Heat defenders in the third quarter but turned the ball over.

The Heat got the ball to forward Jamie Jaquez Jr., who scored an easy layup — two of the 28 points Miami scored off New Orleans’ turnovers.

The Pelicans played sloppy basketball in their second preseason game on Sunday. They turned the ball over 24 times in a 101-99 loss to the Heat at the Kayesa Center.

The Pelicans were missing forwards Trey Murphy and Brandon Ingram. Murphy is recovering from a right hamstring injury that could see him sidelined for a few games early in the regular season. Ingram is healthy. Pelicans coach Willie Green said Ingram was scheduled to play in Tuesday’s preseason finale against the Houston Rockets.

For a second straight game, Green started Dejounte Murray, McCollum, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson and Daniel Theis. The Pelicans’ starters played about 20 minutes each. Williamson scored 13 points on 5 of 10 shooting. Murray had 11 points, five rebounds and two assists.

New Orleans struggled to block outside shots. At halftime, the Pelicans had shot 6 of 20 from 3-point territory.

In the third quarter, the Heat took advantage of the Pelicans’ poor offense and went on a 12-1 run. Green pulled his starters after Jaquez’s running layup with 7:15 left in the third quarter, giving Miami a 15-point lead.

Rookie center Yves Missi’s play in the second half was a bright spot for New Orleans. Missi blocked four shots on the pitch within 15 minutes. The Cameroonian, who was the 21st pick in June’s draft, recorded a vertical of 38½ inches at the NBA draft combine shown on Sunday.

Late in the third quarter, Miami forward Nikola Jovic appeared to have a point-blank shot wide open. Missi turned around and blocked Jovic’s attempt with her left hand.

Missi didn’t start playing organized basketball until she was 16 years old. The Pelicans would love for him to develop quickly. The team’s options currently are to either start Theis at center or not have a traditional starting center in the lineup at all on opening night.

The Pelicans’ bench managed to make the game competitive in the fourth quarter on Sunday. Elfrid Payton hit a floater in the final minute, tying the game at 99. Rookie guard Antonio Reeves had a chance to give New Orleans the lead at the buzzer, but his potential game-winning 3-point attempt failed at the rim.

The Pelicans will finish their three-game preseason schedule on Tuesday against the Houston Rockets. Their first regular season game is October 23rd against the Chicago Bulls.