Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets Match Player Stats
The Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets match player stats from the April 15, 2026 NBA Play-In game tell the story of one of the most competitive postseason games of the season. Charlotte Hornets defeated Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, turning a one-point margin into a memorable Play-In victory. LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 30 points and 10 assists, while Davion Mitchell paced Miami with 28 points. Andrew Wiggins added 27 and Tyler Herro scored 23 for Miami, but Charlotte’s balanced scoring, extra possessions, and overtime execution proved decisive.
The game was played between the ninth and tenth seeds in the Eastern Conference, giving both teams an immediate postseason survival test. Miami entered the matchup with a 43-39 record, while Charlotte came in at 44-38. The numbers suggest that these teams were closely matched before tipoff, and the final score confirmed that assessment.
What makes this game especially useful for statistical analysis is how many different factors influenced the result. Miami shot a strong 48 percent from the field and converted 39 percent of its three-point attempts. Charlotte, despite shooting only 44 percent overall and 32 percent from three, created more opportunities through offensive rebounding and finished the game with 54 total rebounds.
This article breaks down the complete player and team statistics, scoring leaders, rebounding battle, playmaking, shooting efficiency, turnovers, overtime performance, and the statistical reasons Charlotte ultimately escaped with the win.
Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets Match Player Stats Overview
The most important fact is simple: Charlotte won 127-126 after overtime.
However, looking only at the final score does not explain why the Hornets won. The box score shows a game where Miami was more efficient in several shooting categories, while Charlotte generated more possessions and received major contributions from its leading players.
Game Information
| Category | Detail |
| Game | Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets |
| Date | April 15, 2026 |
| Competition | NBA Play-In, East, 9th Place vs 10th Place |
| Venue | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC |
| Attendance | 19,698 |
| Final Result | Charlotte Hornets 127, Miami Heat 126 |
| Game Status | Final, Overtime |
| Miami Record | 43-39 |
| Charlotte Record | 44-38 |
| Miami Away Record | 17-24 |
| Charlotte Home Record | 21-20 |
| Matchup Record | Charlotte led 1-0 |
| Where to Watch | Prime Video |
The attendance of 19,698 reflects the importance of the contest. This was not a routine regular-season game. The loser faced the consequences of a Play-In defeat, making every possession more important than a typical April matchup.
How the Game Developed
The game remained close throughout regulation.
Miami scored 24 points in the opening quarter, while Charlotte scored 26. Miami then produced its best quarter of regulation in the second, putting up 30 points. Charlotte answered with 26, leaving Miami with a narrow halftime advantage.
The third quarter changed the rhythm of the game.
Charlotte exploded for 37 points, its highest-scoring quarter of the contest. Miami still scored 29, but the Hornets’ offensive surge created a significant shift in momentum.
Miami responded in the fourth quarter with 31 points, compared with 25 from Charlotte. That response was enough to force overtime.
The extra period was almost perfectly balanced. Miami scored 12 points, while Charlotte scored 13. With only one point separating the teams after overtime, a single possession determined the outcome.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score
| Quarter | Miami Heat | Charlotte Hornets |
| Q1 | 24 | 26 |
| Q2 | 30 | 26 |
| Q3 | 29 | 37 |
| Q4 | 31 | 25 |
| OT | 12 | 13 |
| Total | 126 | 127 |
The quarter distribution shows that Charlotte’s third-quarter performance was particularly important. Miami eventually recovered, but the Hornets had already demonstrated their ability to create an offensive separation.
Miami Heat Player Performance
Miami’s leading scorers provided enough offense to keep the game competitive until the final possession.
Davion Mitchell finished as Miami’s top scorer with 28 points. Andrew Wiggins followed with 27, while Tyler Herro contributed 23. Those three players accounted for a substantial share of Miami’s offensive production.
The scoring distribution indicates that Miami did not rely on one player alone. Instead, the Heat received meaningful contributions from several primary offensive options.
Davion Mitchell
Davion Mitchell led Miami with 28 points.
His scoring output was particularly important because Charlotte had multiple offensive threats of its own. Miami needed reliable production throughout the game, and Mitchell’s 28 points helped keep the Heat within striking distance.
As the team’s leading scorer, Mitchell was one of the most influential individual players in the contest. His performance stands out even more because the final margin was only one point.
Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins scored 27 points, finishing just one point behind Mitchell.
Wiggins’ contribution gave Miami another high-level scoring option. When a Play-In game reaches overtime with such a narrow margin, having multiple players capable of producing 20-plus points becomes extremely valuable.
His 27-point performance was therefore one of the main reasons Miami remained competitive deep into the game.
Tyler Herro
Tyler Herro added 23 points.
Herro’s scoring gave Miami a third major offensive contributor. With Mitchell, Wiggins, and Herro all reaching at least 23 points, the Heat’s top-end scoring was strong enough to produce 126 points.
The problem was not simply Miami’s ability to score. The bigger issue was how Charlotte created additional opportunities through rebounding and how the Hornets converted those possessions into enough points to stay ahead.
Charlotte Hornets Player Performance
Charlotte’s leading players were equally important.
LaMelo Ball led all Charlotte scorers with 30 points and also recorded 10 assists. Miles Bridges added 28 points, while Brandon Miller scored 23. Coby White provided 19 points from the bench.
That combination gave Charlotte a strong mixture of star production and supporting scoring.
LaMelo Ball
LaMelo Ball delivered one of the most complete statistical performances of the game.
He scored 30 points and recorded 10 assists, giving him a double-double. His ability to combine scoring and playmaking made him central to Charlotte’s offensive attack.
A 30-point, 10-assist performance is particularly valuable in a close elimination-style environment because it means one player is directly contributing to both scoring and the creation of scoring opportunities.
Ball’s 10 assists also highlight an important difference between individual scoring and overall offensive organization. Charlotte did not simply depend on Ball to shoot. He also helped create opportunities for teammates.
Miles Bridges
Miles Bridges scored 28 points, matching Miami’s leading scorer in total points.
His scoring helped Charlotte maintain pressure on Miami even when the Heat produced strong offensive stretches.
Having both Ball and Bridges reach 28 or more points gave Charlotte a reliable scoring foundation. It also reduced the pressure on any one player to carry the offense for the entire game.
Brandon Miller
Brandon Miller scored 23 points.
His performance gave Charlotte a third player with at least 20 points. This was important because Miami also had three players reaching that mark.
The difference was that Charlotte additionally received 19 points from Coby White, helping the Hornets maintain offensive balance.
Coby White
Coby White led Charlotte’s bench with 19 points.
Bench scoring can become especially important in overtime games because starters accumulate heavy minutes and defensive attention. A productive reserve can provide a change of pace and keep the offense from becoming too predictable.
White’s 19 points were therefore an important supporting contribution in a game decided by only one point.
Rebounding Was a Major Difference
One of the clearest statistical advantages belonged to Charlotte on the glass.
The Hornets finished with 54 total rebounds compared with 48 for Miami.
That six-rebound difference may appear modest, but in a one-point game it is significant.
More importantly, Charlotte grabbed 17 offensive rebounds. Miami collected 12 offensive rebounds.
Offensive rebounds are particularly valuable because they create additional possessions without requiring a defensive stop at the other end. A team can shoot less efficiently and still remain competitive if it repeatedly gives itself second chances.
Charlotte’s 17 offensive rebounds helped compensate for its lower overall field-goal percentage.
Rebounding Comparison
| Category | Miami Heat | Charlotte Hornets |
| Total Rebounds | 48 | 54 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 12 | 17 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 36 | 37 |
The defensive rebounding numbers were relatively close. The larger difference came on the offensive glass.
This is one of the most useful lessons from the game: field-goal percentage does not tell the complete story.
Miami shot 48 percent from the field, while Charlotte shot 44 percent. On shooting efficiency alone, Miami had the advantage.
But Charlotte produced more total rebounds and five more offensive rebounds. Those additional opportunities helped offset the shooting difference.
Shooting Efficiency Comparison
Miami’s shooting numbers were impressive.
The Heat made 49 of 103 field-goal attempts, finishing at 48 percent. Charlotte made 50 of 113 attempts, finishing at 44 percent.
That means Miami scored more efficiently from the field despite taking fewer total shots.
Team Shooting
| Shooting Category | Miami Heat | Charlotte Hornets |
| Field Goals | 49-103 | 50-113 |
| Field-Goal Percentage | 48% | 44% |
| Three-Pointers | 16-41 | 18-56 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 39% | 32% |
| Free Throws | 12-14 | 9-9 |
| Free-Throw Percentage | 86% | 100% |
Miami also had the better three-point percentage.
The Heat converted 16 of 41 attempts from beyond the arc, or 39 percent. Charlotte made 18 of 56, or 32 percent.
This makes Charlotte’s victory even more interesting statistically. The Hornets did not win because they were more accurate shooters.
Instead, they created more shot attempts and second chances.
Charlotte attempted 113 field goals compared with 103 for Miami. That is a 10-attempt difference.
Even with lower efficiency, taking 10 additional field-goal attempts can create a major advantage, especially when combined with offensive rebounds.
Free Throws and Their Importance
Miami made 12 of 14 free throws, an excellent 86 percent.
Charlotte was perfect, making all nine attempts.
Although Charlotte attempted fewer free throws, its 100 percent conversion rate meant that the Hornets left no points at the line.
In a one-point overtime game, every missed free throw matters when reviewing the overall statistical picture. Charlotte’s perfect performance from the free-throw line ensured that all nine opportunities became points.
Miami’s 12-for-14 shooting was also strong, but two missed free throws represented two points that were not converted.
It would be incorrect to say those two misses alone caused Miami’s defeat. Basketball outcomes result from dozens of possessions. Still, the free-throw numbers demonstrate just how narrow the statistical margins were.
Playmaking and Ball Movement
Miami finished with 32 assists.
Charlotte recorded 26 assists.
This was one of Miami’s clearest advantages.
The Heat generated six more assists than Charlotte, suggesting that Miami’s offense produced more baskets directly connected to recorded passes.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. led Miami in assists with eight.
Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball led all players in assists with 10, accounting for a significant portion of the Hornets’ total.
Assist Comparison
| Category | Miami Heat | Charlotte Hornets |
| Team Assists | 32 | 26 |
| Leading Playmaker | Jaime Jaquez Jr. | LaMelo Ball |
| Leading Assists | 8 | 10 |
This creates another interesting contrast.
Miami had better overall team assist numbers, while Charlotte had the game’s leading individual playmaker.
The Heat’s 32 assists indicate strong collective ball movement. Charlotte’s 26 assists show a somewhat lower team total, but Ball’s 10 assists demonstrate his individual influence.
Turnovers and Possession Control
Turnovers were another area where both teams performed well.
Miami committed only seven turnovers.
Charlotte committed six.
That is a combined total of just 13 turnovers in an overtime game.
Turnover Comparison
| Category | Miami Heat | Charlotte Hornets |
| Turnovers | 7 | 6 |
| Steals | 4 | 4 |
Neither team gave the opponent a major advantage through careless ball handling.
Charlotte’s one-turnover advantage was small, but again, this was a game decided by one point. When the final margin is so narrow, small statistical differences become more meaningful.
The Hornets also matched Miami with four steals.
Defense and Interior Impact
Miami recorded eight blocks, compared with seven for Charlotte.
That gave the Heat a slight advantage in rim protection.
The block numbers support the idea that Miami’s defense was active around the basket. However, Charlotte’s rebounding advantage shows that preventing shots from becoming made baskets was only one part of the defensive equation.
A blocked shot can stop one attempt, but securing the rebound after a miss is equally important.
Charlotte’s 54 total rebounds helped it control the aftermath of missed shots and create additional offensive possessions.
Fouls and Physicality
The foul numbers were noticeably different.
Miami committed nine personal fouls, while Charlotte committed 21.
That is a substantial difference.
Miami’s lower foul total helped limit Charlotte’s free-throw opportunities. Charlotte still managed to shoot nine free throws and made all of them.
The difference also illustrates why box-score analysis should consider multiple categories at the same time. Charlotte committed considerably more fouls, but it still won.
That means its advantages elsewhere were sufficient to overcome the additional fouls.
Team Statistical Comparison
The complete team comparison provides a useful summary of how the game was won.
| Statistic | Miami Heat | Charlotte Hornets |
| Points | 126 | 127 |
| Field Goals | 49-103 | 50-113 |
| FG Percentage | 48% | 44% |
| 3PT | 16-41 | 18-56 |
| 3PT Percentage | 39% | 32% |
| Free Throws | 12-14 | 9-9 |
| FT Percentage | 86% | 100% |
| Rebounds | 48 | 54 |
| Assists | 32 | 26 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 6 |
| Steals | 4 | 4 |
| Blocks | 8 | 7 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 12 | 17 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 36 | 37 |
| Personal Fouls | 9 | 21 |
This table reveals the central statistical story.
Miami was more efficient.
Charlotte was more prolific in terms of opportunities.
That distinction explains much of the result.
Why Charlotte Won Despite Shooting Worse
At first glance, Charlotte’s 44 percent field-goal shooting compared with Miami’s 48 percent appears unfavorable.
The same is true from three-point range. Miami shot 39 percent, while Charlotte shot 32 percent.
Yet Charlotte won.
The reason is that efficiency and volume are different concepts.
Miami made 49 field goals.
Charlotte made 50.
So although Charlotte required 113 attempts to reach 50 makes, the Hornets still converted one more field goal than Miami.
The 10 additional attempts were created through a combination of rebounding and possession management.
Charlotte had:
- Six more total rebounds
- Five more offensive rebounds
- One fewer turnover
- One more made field goal
- One more made three-pointer
- Perfect free-throw shooting
These advantages helped Charlotte overcome Miami’s superior shooting percentages.
The Importance of the Third Quarter
The third quarter was arguably the most important stretch of regulation.
Charlotte scored 37 points.
Miami scored 29.
The eight-point difference in that period created a significant swing.
Charlotte’s third-quarter scoring was also the highest single-quarter total for either team.
Miami eventually answered with 31 points in the fourth quarter and forced overtime. That comeback shows that the Heat did not lose control of the game completely.
Instead, the Hornets created just enough separation during the third quarter to make Miami chase the game.
Overtime Decided Everything
After four quarters, neither team had done enough to win.
Miami scored 12 points in overtime.
Charlotte scored 13.
That single-point difference determined the result.
This is why overtime games require a slightly different approach to statistical analysis. A team can have better overall shooting, more assists, fewer fouls, and more blocks and still lose because the final possessions do not go its way.
Charlotte’s overtime advantage was only one point, but that was enough.
The final score was:
Charlotte Hornets 127, Miami Heat 126.
Individual Leaders at a Glance
The leading performers can be summarized quickly.
Miami Heat Leaders
- Points: Davion Mitchell, 28
- Second in scoring: Andrew Wiggins, 27
- Third in scoring: Tyler Herro, 23
- Rebounds: Kel’el Ware, 19
- Assists: Jaime Jaquez Jr., 8
Charlotte Hornets Leaders
- Points: LaMelo Ball, 30
- Second in scoring: Miles Bridges, 28
- Third in scoring: Brandon Miller, 23
- Rebounds: Moussa Diabate, 14
- Assists: LaMelo Ball, 10
- Bench scoring: Coby White, 19
These numbers demonstrate how balanced the game was.
Both teams had three players score at least 23 points.
The difference came from the supporting statistical categories, particularly rebounding and shot volume.
Kel’el Ware’s 19 Rebounds
Kel’el Ware’s 19 rebounds were one of Miami’s strongest individual statistical performances.
Collecting 19 rebounds in a high-scoring overtime game represents a major contribution on the glass.
His performance helped Miami finish with 48 total rebounds despite Charlotte’s 54.
Without Ware’s rebounding production, Charlotte’s advantage on the boards could have been even larger.
Moussa Diabate’s 14 Rebounds
Moussa Diabate led Charlotte with 14 rebounds.
His work on the glass was important to the Hornets’ overall rebounding advantage.
When a team grabs 17 offensive rebounds, several players typically contribute to that effort. Diabate’s 14 total rebounds were an important part of Charlotte’s ability to create second chances.
What the Statistics Say About Both Teams
The numbers paint two different pictures.
Miami looked like the more efficient offensive team.
The Heat:
- Shot 48 percent overall
- Shot 39 percent from three
- Made 86 percent of their free throws
- Recorded 32 assists
- Committed only seven turnovers
- Recorded eight blocks
Charlotte looked like the more possession-oriented team.
The Hornets:
- Took 10 more field-goal attempts
- Grabbed six more rebounds
- Collected five more offensive rebounds
- Made one more field goal
- Made two more three-pointers
- Committed one fewer turnover
- Went 9-for-9 at the free-throw line
The combination was enough for Charlotte to win.
A Closer Look at Offensive Rebounding
Offensive rebounding deserves special attention because it helps explain the outcome better than raw shooting percentages.
Miami collected 12 offensive rebounds.
Charlotte collected 17.
That five-rebound difference means Charlotte had five additional offensive-rebound opportunities compared with Miami.
Those opportunities do not automatically become points, but they extend possessions and allow a team to recover from missed shots.
This becomes especially important when a team is shooting 44 percent from the field.
Charlotte could miss more frequently than Miami and still remain competitive because the Hornets had more chances to attack after missed shots.
What Miami Did Well
Miami’s performance should not be described simply as a loss.
Several statistical areas were excellent.
Efficient Shooting
A 48 percent field-goal percentage is strong.
Miami also converted 39 percent from three, showing that the Heat were effective from long range.
Strong Ball Movement
The Heat recorded 32 assists, six more than Charlotte.
That indicates productive team playmaking.
Low Turnovers
Seven turnovers over an overtime game is a strong number.
Miami did not regularly give Charlotte easy transition opportunities through mistakes.
Rim Protection
Miami recorded eight blocks.
That was one more than Charlotte.
Strong Free-Throw Shooting
The Heat made 12 of 14 free throws.
An 86 percent team mark is highly efficient.
What Charlotte Did Well
Charlotte’s strengths were different.
Offensive Rebounding
The Hornets’ 17 offensive rebounds were a major advantage.
Shot Volume
Charlotte attempted 113 field goals.
Miami attempted 103.
That extra volume mattered.
Balanced Scoring
Ball scored 30, Bridges scored 28, Miller scored 23, and White added 19.
Charlotte did not rely exclusively on one scorer.
Playmaking From Ball
LaMelo Ball finished with 10 assists.
That gave Charlotte a major individual creator.
Perfect Free Throws
The Hornets made all nine attempts.
In a one-point victory, leaving zero free throws on the table is notable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets game?
Charlotte Hornets defeated Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime on April 15, 2026, at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
Who was the top scorer for Miami?
Davion Mitchell led Miami with 28 points. Andrew Wiggins scored 27 and Tyler Herro added 23.
Who led Charlotte in scoring?
LaMelo Ball was Charlotte’s leading scorer with 30 points. He also recorded 10 assists.
Who had the most rebounds in the game?
Kel’el Ware led Miami with 19 rebounds, while Moussa Diabate led Charlotte with 14 rebounds.
Which team shot better?
Miami shot better overall. The Heat made 49 of 103 field-goal attempts for 48 percent, while Charlotte made 50 of 113 for 44 percent. Miami also shot 39 percent from three compared with Charlotte’s 32 percent.
Why did Charlotte win despite shooting a lower percentage?
Charlotte created more opportunities. The Hornets had 54 rebounds compared with Miami’s 48, including 17 offensive rebounds compared with Miami’s 12. Charlotte also attempted 10 more field goals and committed one fewer turnover.
Conclusion
The Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets match player stats reveal a game decided by extremely small margins rather than one overwhelming statistical advantage.
Miami was more efficient from the field and from three-point range. The Heat also recorded more assists, fewer fouls, and more blocks. Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, and Tyler Herro provided a strong scoring foundation, while Kel’el Ware controlled the boards with 19 rebounds.
Charlotte answered with volume and second-chance opportunities. LaMelo Ball produced 30 points and 10 assists, Miles Bridges scored 28, Brandon Miller added 23, and Coby White contributed 19 from the bench. The Hornets also won the rebounding battle 54-48 and generated 17 offensive rebounds.
The third quarter was another decisive element, with Charlotte scoring 37 points. Miami recovered strongly in the fourth quarter and forced overtime, but Charlotte scored 13 points to Miami’s 12 in the extra period.
Ultimately, the 127-126 result demonstrates why a basketball box score should never be reduced to field-goal percentage alone. Miami shot more efficiently, but Charlotte generated more opportunities. In a one-point overtime Play-In game, those additional possessions were enough to make the difference.
