Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson delivered standout performances to lift the Miami Heat to a 98-94 win against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. Herro scored a game-high 27 points, while Robinson added 22 points, knocking down six three-pointers.
The Heat, now 8-8 on the season, snapped back from a tough loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in an NBA Cup game just the night before. Bam Adebayo contributed across the board, securing 10 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists in the win.
Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball led all scorers with 32 points and grabbed 10 rebounds despite playing through a right wrist injury. Rookie Tidjane Salaun posted a career-high 17 points, including a clutch corner three-pointer that briefly gave the Hornets the lead in the final minute.
Herro quickly responded with a three-pointer of his own to reclaim the lead for Miami, followed by a critical steal to prevent Charlotte’s comeback.
After being fouled, Herro made one of two free throws, leaving the Hornets a chance to tie or take the lead. However, Cody Martin missed both free throws in the closing seconds, and Kel’el Ware sealed the win with two free throws for Miami.
The game had its share of drama, as Jimmy Butler left during the third quarter with a tight back and did not return. Miami’s offense leaned heavily on Robinson early, with the sharpshooter scoring 13 of the team’s first 17 points.
Ball struggled with efficiency, shooting 11-of-35 from the field and 7-of-20 from beyond the arc. He also committed seven turnovers, including the critical one on Herro’s late-game steal.
For the Hornets, Brandon Miller contributed 21 points in a strong showing, but the team has now lost five of its last six games, falling to 6-12 on the season.
Herro’s performance was a highlight, as his clutch shooting and timely defense helped Miami withstand Charlotte’s rally from a 20-point deficit.
