Miami HeatOpen full analysis
Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
The Charlotte Hornets edged the Miami Heat 127–126 on April 14 at Spectrum Center in a one-point thriller that came down to the final possession. LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 30 points, while Miles Bridges added 28 in a balanced scoring attack; the Hornets shot 44.2 percent from the field and made 18 three-pointers despite a modest 119.9 offensive rating. Miami's Donovan Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins each scored 27 and 28 points respectively, and the Heat shot a more efficient 47.6 percent overall with 16 threes and 32 assists, yet couldn't overcome a late-game collapse. Charlotte's third quarter proved decisive—the Hornets outscored Miami 37–29 in that frame to seize control—though both teams combined to fall short of the 228.5 Vegas total line. The Heat's fourth-quarter surge (31 points) nearly forced overtime, but Charlotte's defensive stand in the closing seconds held firm. With the victory, the Hornets keep their playoff hopes alive in a tightly contested Eastern Conference race.
