Charlotte Hornets Clinch Playoff Berth with OT Win Over Miami Heat

LaMelo Ball's late layup seals victory in front of record home crowd

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:20pm

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The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime on Tuesday night at the Spectrum Center, securing a spot in the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2016. LaMelo Ball's driving layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime proved to be the game-winning shot, capping off a thrilling comeback that saw the Hornets erase an eight-point deficit in the final minutes of regulation.

Why it matters

The Hornets' playoff berth ends a six-year drought and represents a significant milestone for the franchise, which has struggled to find consistent success in recent years. The win also showcases the team's young talent, led by Ball, Miles Bridges, and Brandon Miller, and sets the stage for an exciting postseason run.

The details

The Hornets trailed by seven points with 6:17 left in the fourth quarter, but a series of clutch 3-pointers from Bridges, Miller, and Coby White helped force overtime. In the extra period, Tyler Herro hit a 3-pointer and three free throws to give Miami a 126-125 lead, but Ball's driving layup in the final seconds sealed the victory for Charlotte. Ball finished with a team-high 30 points and 10 assists, while Bridges (28 points), Miller (23 points), and White (19 points) also made significant contributions.

  • The Hornets won 127-126 in overtime against the Miami Heat on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • Charlotte's next game will be on Friday, April 17, 2026, against either the Orlando Magic or Philadelphia 76ers.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star point guard, who scored 30 points and dished out 10 assists in the overtime victory.

Miles Bridges

The Hornets' forward, who scored 28 points and hit key 3-pointers down the stretch to help force overtime.

Brandon Miller

The Hornets' rookie forward, who scored 23 points and also hit a crucial 3-pointer in the fourth quarter.

Coby White

The Hornets' guard, who scored 19 points and made a 3-pointer to help the team rally in the final minutes of regulation.

Tyler Herro

The Heat's guard, who scored a team-high 26 points, including a 3-pointer and three free throws that gave Miami a late lead in overtime.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge win for our team and our city. We've been working hard all season to get back to the playoffs, and to do it in front of our fans is really special.”

— LaMelo Ball, Hornets Point Guard

“I'm so proud of the way our guys fought back and refused to give up. This team has a lot of heart and resilience, and that's what it takes to win in the playoffs.”

— James Borrego, Hornets Head Coach

What’s next

The Hornets will face either the Orlando Magic or Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the NBA playoffs on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The takeaway

The Hornets' thrilling overtime victory over the Heat not only secures their first playoff berth in six years, but also showcases the team's promising young talent and their ability to overcome adversity. This win sets the stage for an exciting postseason run that could captivate the Charlotte community and establish the Hornets as a rising force in the Eastern Conference.