Hornets Stun Heat to Advance in Play-In

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Hornets pulled off a dramatic 127–126 overtime victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, surviving a back-and-forth Play-In Tournament classic that came down to the final possession and kept their postseason hopes alive in stunning fashion.

In a game defined by runs, resilience, and late-game pressure, Charlotte refused to go away against a veteran Miami squad that had multiple chances to close the door in regulation. Instead, the Hornets clawed back, forced overtime, and delivered just enough execution in the extra period to escape with a one-point win.

The final minutes of overtime mirrored the entire night — tense, chaotic, and decided by single possessions. With both teams trading buckets and defensive stops, Charlotte ultimately secured the decisive edge, holding firm on the final sequence as Miami’s last attempt failed to drop.

Charlotte’s offense stayed aggressive throughout, leaning on perimeter creation and transition bursts to keep pace with Miami’s structured half-court attack. The Heat, as expected in a win-or-go-home setting, relied on experience and physical defense, but struggled to fully separate despite controlling stretches of the game.

For the Hornets, the win represents one of their most meaningful moments of the season — a pressure-packed victory in a playoff environment where execution mattered more than style. The ability to respond after setbacks and close out a tight overtime game signals growth for a young roster still carving out its identity.

Miami exits the Play-In stunned, having led late in regulation but unable to finish the job in overtime, extending a frustrating postseason chapter for a team that has built its reputation on closing tight games.

Charlotte now moves forward in the Play-In bracket, riding momentum and belief after surviving one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament.