Tyler Herro delivered in the clutch, scoring 27 points, including a critical late-game sequence, as the Miami Heat held off the Charlotte Hornets 98-94 on Wednesday night.
Herro’s sharp shooting and decisive steal in the final moments preserved Miami’s narrow victory, snapping their brief one-game slide after a tough loss to Milwaukee in NBA Cup action.
Duncan Robinson provided an early spark for Miami, pouring in 22 points and connecting on six 3-pointers. Bam Adebayo showcased his versatility, posting 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while Kel’el Ware sealed the win with two clutch free throws in the closing seconds.
Charlotte, led by LaMelo Ball’s 32 points and 10 rebounds, staged an impressive comeback from 20 points down, even taking the lead in the final minute. Rookie Tidjane Salaun added a career-high 17 points, and Brandon Miller chipped in 21, but a critical turnover and missed free throws in crunch time dashed their hopes of an upset.
Hornets’ Rally Falls Short
Down by 20 points midway through the third quarter, the Hornets clawed their way back into contention behind Ball’s aggressive scoring and Salaun’s timely shooting. Salaun’s corner 3-pointer with 42 seconds remaining gave Charlotte a 94-93 lead, capping a furious comeback. However, Herro immediately answered with a 3-pointer of his own, reclaiming the lead for Miami.
Herro’s impact didn’t stop there. On the Hornets’ next possession, he intercepted a pass from Ball intended for Brandon Miller, halting Charlotte’s momentum. After being fouled, Herro split a pair of free throws to give Miami a two-point cushion. With six seconds left, Cody Martin had an opportunity to tie or take the lead at the line but missed both free throws. Ware then iced the game with two makes from the charity stripe.
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Injuries and Challenges
Miami faced adversity as Jimmy Butler exited in the third quarter with back tightness and did not return. Despite his absence, the Heat found ways to grind out the victory, leaning on Herro and Robinson to carry the offensive load.
For Charlotte, Ball’s wrist injury, which had him listed as probable pregame, appeared to affect his shooting. He finished 11-of-35 from the field, including 7-of-20 from 3-point range, and committed seven turnovers. His determination kept the Hornets competitive, but the wear and tear seemed evident in key moments.
Takeaways
Heat: Robinson was pivotal early, scoring 13 of Miami’s first 17 points and knocking down three triples in the opening minutes. His hot start provided a cushion the Heat desperately needed as Charlotte surged late.
Hornets: Ball’s high-volume shooting kept Charlotte in the game, but the combination of his inefficiency and turnovers proved costly. The Hornets also struggled at the free-throw line, with Martin’s crucial misses epitomizing their missed opportunities.
Key Moment
Herro’s steal with under 10 seconds left was the defining play. The Hornets were poised to make a final push, but Herro’s anticipation and quick hands disrupted their set, swinging momentum firmly in Miami’s favor.
Key Stat
Ball’s 35 field-goal attempts were his most in a game this season, but his 31% shooting accuracy underscored Charlotte’s offensive struggles. Despite his 32 points, inefficiency and turnovers hindered his ability to close out the game.
What’s Next
The Heat return home to host the Toronto Raptors on Friday, looking to build momentum after this hard-fought victory. Meanwhile, the Hornets will aim to regroup as they host the New York Knicks on Saturday, hoping to end their recent slump.
With Herro stepping up as Miami’s closer and Robinson rediscovering his shooting touch, the Heat continue to prove they can adapt and find ways to win—even without key players in critical moments. Charlotte’s resilience was commendable, but they’ll need cleaner execution to turn narrow losses into wins moving forward.
