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Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center: did 305’s 32 assists meet the Hive’s overtime answer?

The Miami Heat moved to 0-1 in the 2025 Play-in Tournament after a 127-126 loss to the Charlotte Hornets at 7:30 PM EDT at the Spectrum Center. The Heat posted 126 points behind 32 assists, while the Hornets countered with 127 points and 65 rebounds in a game that featured 17 ties and 16 lead changes.


MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 25: Jaime Jaquez Jr. #11 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on December 25, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

First quarter


The Miami Heat opened with 24 points while the Charlotte Hornets scored 26 points in the quarter. The Heat shot 48 percent from the field for the game and produced 62 points in the paint that began to build pressure on Buzz City’s interior defense.


Second quarter


The Heat added 30 points in the second quarter, and the Hornets matched the pace with 26 points before halftime. Miami Heat post-match stats showed 7 total turnovers and an assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.57 that kept the Flash organized through 2 quarters.


Third quarter


The Charlotte Hornets swung the third quarter with 37 points while the Heat put up 29 points, marking the Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets turning point as the lead traded hands again. Buzz City created extra possessions with 17 offensive rebounds and finished with 25 second-chance points, while the Heat leaned on 20 second-chance points of its own to stay within reach.


Fourth quarter


The Heat scored 31 points in the fourth quarter and the Hornets scored 25 points, pushing the game into overtime. Miami’s 16 made three-pointers on 39 percent shooting and 17 fast-break points on 73 percent conversion rate fueled the late push in this Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets tactical recap.


Overtime


The Heat scored 12 points in overtime and the Hornets scored 13 points to close out the play-in result. Charlotte’s 18 made three-pointers and 100 percent free-throw shooting on 9 attempts provided the margin in a post-game report Miami Heat that also included Miami’s 55 rebounds, Charlotte’s 26 assists, and Miami’s 8 blocks.


Davion Mitchell’s previous-game line of 28 points and 6 assists set a recent scoring baseline for the Heat backcourt. Kel’el Ware’s previous-game 19 rebounds and 5 blocks highlighted rim protection and glass work that matched Miami’s game-level 55 rebounds. Andrew Wiggins’ previous-game 27 points and Tyler Herro’s previous-game 23 points underscored perimeter shot-making that aligned with Miami’s 39 percent from three in this matchup.


Catch the next broadcast window and keep tabs on how the Heat adjust their paint scoring and second-chance production from this play-in night, then share this article with other 305 fans.

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