Hornets beat Heat 127-126 in overtime play-in thriller
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Tuesday night LaMelo Ball drove for a game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining in overtime and Miles Bridges blocked Davion Mitchell’s attempt at the buzzer as the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Miami Heat 127-126 in a play-in game, eliminating Miami from the postseason. The Hornets were led by Ball’s 30 points and 10 assists and Bridges’ 28 points and nine rebounds; Coby White added 19. Miami’s Davion Mitchell scored 28 and Andrew Wiggins 27, while Bam Adebayo exited with a reported lower-back injury. Charlotte will play the loser of Wednesday’s Philadelphia-Orlando matchup on Friday for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- 2021 — NBA introduces the play-in tournament to determine final playoff seeds.
- Regular season — Hornets and Heat finish seeded into play-in positions based on standings.
- April 14, 2026 — Hornets defeat Heat 127-126 in overtime; LaMelo Ball scores winning layup.
- Immediately after — Miles Bridges blocks buzzer attempt; Heat eliminated and Adebayo exits injured.
- April 16, 2026 (Friday) — Hornets scheduled to play loser of Philadelphia-Orlando for final playoff spot.
Why This Matters to You
If you're a basketball fan, this game was a nail-biter. The Hornets' win means they're still in the running for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Keep an eye on Friday's game against either Philadelphia or Orlando.
The Bottom Line
LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges led the Hornets to a thrilling victory, eliminating the Heat from the postseason. However, Bam Adebayo's injury could impact Miami's future games. Worth forwarding if you know a Heat or Hornets fan who missed the game.
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The Charlotte Hornets organization, players including LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, and local businesses and fans benefited by securing a play-in victory that preserves a chance at the postseason and generates economic and civic engagement tied to playoff contention.
The Miami Heat — players, coaches and supporters — suffered elimination from playoff contention, with Bam Adebayo leaving the game with a reported lower-back injury that complicates the team's immediate roster and postseason plans.
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Hornets beat Heat 127-126 in overtime play-in thriller
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