Hornets' Coach Charles Lee Leads Young Squad to Play-In Victory Over Heat

First-time head coach Charles Lee and his staff outmaneuver veteran Miami coach Erik Spoelstra in a thrilling overtime win.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in teal, purple, and gold, capturing the dynamic action and energy of a basketball game.The Hornets' young core and innovative coaching staff outmaneuver the Heat's veteran leadership in a thrilling Play-In Tournament clash.Today in Miami

The Charlotte Hornets, led by a starting lineup with zero combined playoff appearances, pulled off a gutsy overtime victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament. First-year head coach Charles Lee, 41, outcoached veteran Miami coach Erik Spoelstra, drawing up a game-winning play and making key adjustments that allowed the Hornets' young stars to shine.

Why it matters

The Hornets' surprise playoff berth and win over the Heat showcases the team's bright future, with Lee proving he can lead a talented but inexperienced squad on the big stage. The victory also highlights the Hornets' strong player development and coaching staff, which have quickly transformed the team into a rising Eastern Conference contender.

The details

Despite struggling rookie Kon Knueppel sitting late, Lee inserted veteran Coby White, who hit a clutch three-pointer to force overtime. In the extra period, Lee's staff drew up a perfect sideline out-of-bounds play that freed up star LaMelo Ball for the game-winning layup. The Hornets' defense also executed the game plan, limiting Miami's role players while allowing Davion Mitchell to get his points.

  • The Hornets' Play-In Tournament victory over the Heat took place on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Lee is in his first season as the Hornets' head coach after previously serving as an assistant with the Bucks and Celtics.

The players

Charles Lee

The 41-year-old is in his first season as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets after previously serving as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, where he won two NBA championships.

Erik Spoelstra

The veteran head coach of the Miami Heat, who is considered one of the league's top tacticians and a future Hall of Famer.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie sharpshooter for the Hornets who struggled in the Play-In game but has been a key part of the team's surprising season.

Coby White

The veteran point guard who hit a clutch three-pointer to force overtime against the Heat, showing his experience in big moments.

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star point guard, who hit the game-winning layup in overtime to secure the victory over Miami.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm super grateful for this staff. They prepare our team with the right amount of information in terms of skill work on the court and tactically, and they help me. We talk through enough things to prepare us for the game...”

— Charles Lee, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets

What’s next

The Hornets will now advance to face the top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

Charles Lee's first season as an NBA head coach has been a resounding success, as he has quickly transformed the Hornets into a playoff team by empowering the squad's young talent and making savvy in-game adjustments, as evidenced by the team's thrilling Play-In victory over the veteran Heat.