Hornets Edge Heat in Overtime Thriller

LaMelo Ball's late layup and Miles Bridges' buzzer-beating block seal the win in NBA play-in game

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the final moments of the Hornets-Heat overtime game, with fragmented, overlapping shapes representing the players, basketballs, and court lines, conveying the high-stakes tension of the close finish.The final seconds of the Hornets' overtime victory over the Heat encapsulate the intensity and drama of the NBA's play-in tournament.Charlotte Today

In a thrilling NBA play-in game, the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime. LaMelo Ball made a go-ahead layup with 4.7 seconds left, and Miles Bridges blocked Davion Mitchell's potential game-winning shot at the buzzer to secure the victory for the Hornets.

Why it matters

The win keeps the Hornets' playoff hopes alive, while the loss is a tough blow for the Heat as they try to secure a postseason berth. The back-and-forth overtime battle showcased the talent and competitiveness of both teams as they fight for a spot in the NBA playoffs.

The details

After the game was tied at the end of regulation, the Hornets and Heat traded baskets in the extra period. With the score knotted at 126-126, LaMelo Ball drove to the hoop and made a layup to give Charlotte the lead with just 4.7 seconds remaining. On the final possession, Miami's Davion Mitchell drove to the basket for a potential game-winning shot, but Hornets forward Miles Bridges came up with a crucial block at the buzzer to seal the victory for Charlotte.

  • The game was played on April 15, 2026.
  • LaMelo Ball made the go-ahead layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, who made the game-winning layup in overtime.

Miles Bridges

The Hornets forward who blocked Davion Mitchell's potential game-winning shot at the buzzer to secure the victory.

Davion Mitchell

The Heat guard who had a chance to win the game with a last-second layup, but was denied by Miles Bridges' block.

Miami Heat

The NBA team that lost a close overtime game to the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in tournament.

Charlotte Hornets

The NBA team that won a thrilling overtime game against the Miami Heat to keep their playoff hopes alive.

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What they’re saying

“That was a heck of a game. Both teams left it all on the floor. I'm just proud of our guys for finding a way to win it at the end.”

— James Borrego, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets

“It's tough to lose a game like that, but that's why they call it the play-in. We'll regroup and be ready for our next opportunity.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat

What’s next

The Hornets will advance to face the top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference playoffs, while the Heat will have another chance to qualify for the postseason through the play-in tournament.

The takeaway

This thrilling overtime battle between the Hornets and Heat showcased the excitement and intensity of the NBA's play-in tournament, as two talented teams fought to the final buzzer for a chance to extend their seasons. The heroics of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges proved to be the difference, keeping Charlotte's playoff hopes alive.