The Miami Heat defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 113-98, at FTX Arena on Wednesday night.

The Pelicans (2-14) surprised the Heat (10-5) by coming out of the gates hot, with New Orleans taking a surprising 34-21 lead through one. However, Miami's defense came alive in the second quarter, which allowed them to chip away eight points from their deficit before halftime. The outcome was sealed in the third period, however, when the hosts held the visitors to 18 points for the second straight quarter and forged an 11-point lead. The Heat shot 48.3 percent overall and forced 16 turnovers.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Pelicans with 24 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Brandon Ingram registered 19 points, five assists and four rebounds. Josh Hart managed 18 points, seven boards, four assists and two steals. Jonas Valanciunas supplied 13 points, eight rebounds and one block. Devonte' Graham contributed 11 points, four assists and one rebound.

Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with a 31-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one block. Tyler Herro provided 19 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Max Strus netted 15 points, three rebounds and one assist. P.J. Tucker and Gabe Vincent generated matching 13-point tallies, with Tucker also posting four rebounds and two assists. Caleb Martin pitched in 12 points, six boards, three assists and two steals.

The Pelicans head back home to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night, while the Heat hosts the Washington Wizards on Thursday night.