Hornets rookie guard Marcus Thornton has emerged as a potent scorer as of late.

The Heat dealt Thornton's rights to the Hornets on draft night for two future second-round picks in a prearranged deal.

"He's having a heck of a stretch right now," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He's athletic. He's making plays. He's aggressive."

Thornton, playing against the Heat on Sunday, scored 24 points in 38 minutes.