By Josh Cohen
July 4, 2015
ORLANDO -- Both the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers must feel encouraged about how their prized rookies and draft lottery picks performed in their NBA debuts.
Justise Winslow, selected 10th overall by the Heat, didn’t necessarily shoot well from the field (4-for-8 from field and 1-of-3 from 3-point distance), but his aggressiveness and willingness to attack inside resulted in eight free throw attempts and 15 total points in Miami’s 92-76 win.
“I just let the game come to me,” Winslow said. “I try to stay aggressive, don’t force anything.”
Myles Turner, who was chosen 11th overall by the Pacers, posted 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, eight rebounds and three blocks. He committed five fouls, however.
“Those jitters were heavy but once I got the ball rolling I was good,” Turner said. “Once you’re out there competing, I’m comfortable and playing my role.”
The two 19-year-olds, who were born two days apart, weren’t the only two youngsters to stand out. James Ennis, who averaged five points in 62 games with the Heat last season, recorded 13 points and seven rebounds. Zoran Dragic, the younger brother of Goran Dragic, finished with 12 points.
Miami did most of its damage from the free throw line. The Heat attempted 32 foul shots, making 25 of them, while the Pacers went just 9-for-11 from the stripe. Miami will play the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET.
Jarell Eddie contributed 16 points for Indiana, which has Sunday off before returning to action on Monday when it plays Orlando Magic White at 1 p.m. ET.