Brandon Miller scored 34 points to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a 115-110 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday. The win allowed Charlotte to bounce back immediately following a 47-point blowout loss to Atlanta just one night prior.
How did the game turn?
The Hornets controlled much of the contest, fueled by a massive 24-7 third-quarter run. During this stretch, Charlotte hit five three-pointers to build a commanding 92-70 lead. However, the Heat mounted a significant comeback in the fourth quarter, erasing a 23-point deficit to tie the game multiple times.
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Miami’s rally was aided by the foul trouble of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was eventually removed from the game with 1:57 remaining. Despite the comeback attempt, a decisive four-point play by Grayson Allen helped restore Charlotte's momentum. Allen hit an acrobatic three-pointer and converted the subsequent free throw to give the Hornets a lead they would not relinquish.
Key player performances
Several players made significant impacts on the scoreboard for both sides:
- Charlotte Hornets: Brandon Miller led with 34 points, while Dennis Schroder contributed 25, Naz Reid added 23, and Grayson Allen provided 20.
- Miami Heat: Davion Mitchell paced the visitors with 22 points and 10 assists, followed by Bam Adebayo with 20 points.
Miller's performance was particularly notable as it followed a difficult outing against Atlanta, where he struggled significantly with his shooting. He finished this game 10-for-29 from the field and was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, making 11 of 12 attempts.
What is next for these teams?
The Charlotte Hornets move to a 2-1 record, successfully recovering from a franchise-record loss. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat remain winless through three games. For Miami, the focus will likely remain on finding consistency and supporting stars like Antetokounmpo, who was held to just 14 points.
FAQ
Was the game close in the end?
Yes, the Heat tied the score at 104 in the fourth quarter before a four-point play by Grayson Allen helped Charlotte pull away.
