CHARLOTTE
LaMelo Ball converted a game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining in overtime, and Miles Bridges blocked Davion Mitchell at the buzzer to give the Charlotte Hornets a 127-126 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday at Spectrum Center.
The win eliminated Miami and kept Charlotte's playoff hopes alive. The game featured 16 lead changes and 17 ties over 53 minutes.
"I think both teams didn't want to go out," Bridges said. "Us for sure. We've had a great year. We started out bad, then we banded together and created a culture. We wanted to win for our fans and for ourselves, and to get a taste of playoff basketball."
Ball has shown improved efficiency and leadership this season. The Hornets posted a 34-15 record since Jan. 3.
Miami played most of the contest without Bam Adebayo, its best player. The Heat, frequent Play-In participants since the format began in 2021, are now in the offseason.
Charlotte will face another elimination game Friday night. The opponent will be determined by Wednesday's game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic.
A Hornets victory would mark the franchise's first playoff appearance in 10 years.
