Heat edge Hornets in NBA Play-In Tournament thriller

Miami's veteran experience proves decisive in close road win over Charlotte

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the intense final minutes of the Heat-Hornets play-in game, with fragmented, overlapping shapes representing the players, the basketball, and the crowd.The Heat's comeback victory over the Hornets in the NBA Play-In Tournament showcased the team's veteran poise and experience.Today in Miami

The Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Hornets 109-106 in a tightly contested NBA Play-In Tournament matchup. The Heat, led by Bam Adebayo's 21 points and 12 rebounds, used their playoff-tested composure to edge out the young Hornets squad and advance to the second round of the tournament.

Why it matters

This victory keeps Miami's playoff hopes alive, as they look to extend their postseason streak to five consecutive appearances. For Charlotte, the loss marks the end of a promising season that saw them return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021-22.

The details

The Hornets jumped out to an early lead behind a strong performance from star point guard LaMelo Ball, who finished with 24 points and 7 assists. However, the Heat's veteran experience and stifling defense allowed them to slowly chip away at the deficit, eventually taking the lead in the fourth quarter and holding on for the win. Adebayo was a dominant force in the paint, while Jimmy Butler added 18 points and 7 assists to help guide Miami to victory.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • The Hornets led by as many as 12 points in the first half.

The players

Bam Adebayo

The All-Star center for the Miami Heat, who recorded a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

LaMelo Ball

The rising star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, who led his team with 24 points and 7 assists.

Jimmy Butler

The veteran leader of the Miami Heat, who contributed 18 points, 7 assists, and solid defense to help secure the win.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a battle, but our guys stepped up when it mattered most. That's what playoff basketball is all about.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat

“It hurts to come up short, but I'm proud of how far this team has come. We'll be back stronger next season.”

— LaMelo Ball, Point Guard, Charlotte Hornets

What’s next

The Heat will advance to face the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory showcases the value of playoff experience, as the veteran-led Heat were able to outlast the young and talented Hornets squad. Miami's defensive intensity and Adebayo's dominance in the paint proved to be the difference, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup with the Bucks.