LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges Deliver Dramatic Playoff Berth for Hornets Over Heat (Video)

In one of the most thrilling games of the season, the Charlotte Hornets edged out the Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime, securing their playoff berth and eliminating Miami in the very first play-in game.

LaMelo Ball was the undisputed star, finishing with 30 points and 10 assists, including the decisive basket with just 4.7 seconds left in overtime.

Alongside him, Miles Bridges contributed 28 points and 9 rebounds, and it was his spectacular block on Davion Mitchell in the final possession that sealed the victory. The game was a dramatic rollercoaster. The Hornets appeared to be in control during overtime, but Ball committed two crucial turnovers. Tyler Herro then hit a corner three-pointer, followed by three successful free throws after a foul, giving the Heat a 126-125 lead with only 8.7 seconds remaining.

However, Ball responded immediately, driving to the basket for the game-winning layup, before Bridges shut down Miami's last-ditch effort. For the Heat, Davion Mitchell led the scoring with 28 points, while Andrew Wiggins added 27. A significant blow for Miami was the loss of Bam Adebayo, who exited the game with a back injury after a fall in the second quarter.

The Hornets also received a vital contribution from Coby White, who scored 19 points, including a crucial three-pointer with 10.8 seconds left in regulation that sent the game into overtime.

Charlotte celebrated their first home postseason victory in a decade and will now advance in the play-in tournament. They are set to face the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic matchup, vying for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.