Crucial Last-Second Block! Incredible NBA Play-In Overtime Drama Between Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat

The battle for a further chance at the Eastern Conference playoffs lived up to its promise, evolving into a spectacular overtime thriller.

The Hornets can continue to dream of the playoffs! The surprise team of recent months triumphed in the first Play-In game against the Heat. The decision came only in the final second of overtime when Miles Bridges swatted away Davion Mitchell’s potential game-winner.

Charlotte Hornets (E9) — Miami Heat (E10) 127:126 OT

Shortly before, LaMelo Ball had given Charlotte the lead with a layup with 4.7 seconds left on the clock. With 30 points and 10 assists, the point guard was the standout player for his team.

However, the playmaker’s strong statistics were marred by some flaws. Ball’s long-range shooting, in particular, did not fall at all in this do-or-die game (2/16 3FG). Moreover, while he was clutch with his game-winner and had seemingly put his team on the path to victory with another layup to make it 125-120 with 26 seconds remaining, he subsequently committed two costly errors that enabled the nail-biting finish.

Tyler Herro then hit a difficult three-pointer from the right corner on the ensuing possession. Ball then committed an unnecessary turnover. This time, Herro rose from the left corner and was fouled by Ball. The Heat star converted all three free throws, capping a personal 6-0 run to put Miami up 126-125.

Herro, who finished with 23 points (7/18 FG, 3/6 3FG), had a chance to seal the game earlier in regulation, but his potential game-winner from downtown clanked off the rim. He was outscored by his backcourt mate Davion Mitchell (28 points, 12/24 FG) and Andrew Wiggins (27 points, 10/18 FG). Kel’el Ware dominated the boards with a double-double of 12 points and 19 rebounds (6 offensive), while Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed 13 points and 8 assists off the bench.

Superstar Bam Adebayo could no longer help Head Coach Erik Spoelstra’s team in the closing stages. Early in the second quarter, Bam tried to save a ball from going out of bounds, and LaMelo was once again at the center of attention. The Hornets’ playmaker wiped away Adebayo’s leg, and the big man fell flat on his back.

Spoelstra was beside himself after the game, calling the incident a «stupid play» and demanding a penalty for Ball. Adebayo could not continue and finished with only 6 points in just eleven minutes of play.

For the Hornets, Bridges was not only instrumental on defense with the decisive play but also had a good offensive night with 28 points on efficient shooting (10/18 FG, 5/10 3FG). Brandon Miller (23 PTS) also hit five successful triples. However, three-point specialist Kon Knueppel had an off night. The ROTY candidate missed all six of his attempts from downtown and contributed only 6 points on two of twelve successful shots.

Coby White, who became the (expected) X-factor, fared much better. Not only did the guard score 19 points off the bench (7/15 FG, 5/8 3FG), but he also came up big when needed. As Miami began to pull away slightly in the third quarter to a 76-71 lead, Charlotte responded with a 15-5 run, led by White’s eleven points. Eleven seconds before the end of the game, the midseason acquisition also hit the three-pointer to tie the game at 114-114, sending it into overtime.

After a tight contest where neither team could establish a double-digit lead, the Hornets can continue to dream of their first playoff appearance in ten years. On Friday night, the Hornets will face the loser of the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic.

For Miami, however, the season is over. This loss also marks the end of a streak: after three consecutive wins, the Florida team has lost in the Play-In for the first time.

NBA: Play-In Matchups at a Glance