Hornets Eliminate Heat in Play-In Tournament Behind Brandon Miller’s Clutch Play

The Charlotte Hornets eliminated the Miami Heat from the NBA postseason on April 14, 2026, securing a 127-126 victory in an overtime Eastern Conference Play-In game. The win, decided in the final seconds of the overtime period, ended Miami’s season and advanced Charlotte in the play-in tournament.

Overtime Drama and the Final Sequence

The game reached a climax in overtime when LaMelo Ball converted a leaning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining to give the Hornets a one-point lead. This play followed a sequence where Ball had previously committed a blunder on the preceding possession.

Miami attempted a final effort to win the game, but Miles Bridges blocked a floater attempt by Davion Mitchell at the buzzer, sealing the 127-126 result for Charlotte.

Key Performances and Statistics

LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 30 points, shooting 12-of-31 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line over 40 minutes of play. Miles Bridges contributed 17 points in the first half and provided the game-winning defensive stop.

For the Miami Heat, Davion Mitchell led the scoring with 28 points, shooting 12-of-24 from the field. Kel’el Ware added 19 rebounds, including six offensive boards, while Josh Jaquez Jr. Contributed 8 points.

The Hornets also benefited from the performance of trade deadline acquisition Coby White. White was instrumental in a third-quarter comeback, hitting a barrage of three-pointers, including a catch-and-shoot three that straddled the sideline to force overtime at the end of the fourth quarter.

Game Progression and Tactical Shifts

The contest was characterized by significant momentum swings. In the first half, Ball and Bridges combined for 32 points to pace Charlotte. However, Miami regained control in the fourth quarter by implementing a zone defense, which sparked an 11-2 run.

Miami’s lead remained secure late in the game, with the Heat holding a four-point advantage with only 28 seconds left in regulation. Tyler Herro executed a personal 6-0 run in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter, but Charlotte’s late rally, capped by White’s three-pointer, forced the extra period.

Statistically, the teams were closely matched in efficiency. Miami shot 48% from the field (49-of-103) and 39% from three-point range (16-of-41). Charlotte shot 44% from the field (50-of-113) and 32% from beyond the arc (18-of-56), though they were perfect from the free-throw line, converting 9-of-9.

Match Summary Details

• Final Score: Charlotte Hornets 127, Miami Heat 126 (OT)
• Date: April 14, 2026
• Venue: Charlotte, NC
• Key Hornets Contributors: LaMelo Ball (30 pts), Miles Bridges (Defensive block), Coby White (Clutch 3-pointers)
• Key Heat Contributors: Davion Mitchell (28 pts), Kel’el Ware (19 reb)