Hornets Earn Playoff Berth with Win Over Short-Handed Knicks

Charlotte secures 9th seed in Eastern Conference, will face Miami Heat in play-in game

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:36am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of teal, orange, and purple colors representing the action on the court.The Hornets' young core faces a daunting challenge against the seasoned Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In tournament.Today in Miami

The Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks in a sloppy regular season finale, securing the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Despite the Knicks resting their starters, the Hornets had to fight to earn the victory, which will serve as a tune-up for their upcoming play-in game against the Miami Heat.

Why it matters

The win ensures the Hornets will have a chance to make the playoffs, but they will face a tough test against the experienced Heat team. Charlotte's young core, led by LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, will be making their first career playoff appearances, so this play-in game will be a valuable learning experience.

The details

The Hornets overcame a poor third quarter stretch to pull away from the Knicks' backups, led by veteran guard Jose Alvarado. Coby White, Josh Green, and Grant Williams all made key contributions off the bench to help Charlotte secure the victory. However, the Hornets will need to clean up their ball-handling and perimeter shooting ahead of the Miami game, as those areas could be exploited by the opportunistic Heat defense.

  • The Hornets will host the Miami Heat in a win-or-go-home play-in game on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star point guard and one of only two Charlotte starters with prior playoff experience.

Miles Bridges

The Hornets' other starter with playoff experience, forming a dynamic duo with Ball.

Sion James

The Hornets' rookie forward has been a revelation this season, but his offensive limitations could make him unplayable in the high-stakes play-in game.

Coby White

The veteran guard stepped up off the Hornets' bench, providing a spark when the game got tight against the Knicks.

Jose Alvarado

The Knicks' veteran guard led the team's spirited effort despite the team resting its regular starters.

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What’s next

The Hornets will host the Miami Heat in a win-or-go-home play-in game on Wednesday, April 16, 2026. The winner will advance to the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The takeaway

The Hornets' victory over the Knicks' backups was an important tune-up for their upcoming play-in game against the experienced Miami Heat. Charlotte's young core will need to limit turnovers and improve their perimeter shooting to have a chance against the opportunistic Heat defense, but the Hornets can lean on the playoff experience of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges as they make their first postseason appearance.