Andrew Wiggins delivered his best performance in a Miami Heat uniform, scoring 42 points to lead his team to a 122-105 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night.
Miami (30-41) snapped a 10-game losing streak behind Wiggins’ efficient shooting, as he connected on 16 of 21 shots, including six three-pointers. Tyler Herro added 29 points, while the Heat used a dominant second-quarter stretch to take control.
The Heat trailed by 12 early but closed the first half on a 24-4 run, outscoring Charlotte 37-21 in the second quarter. Miami shot 10-of-14 during that stretch while holding the Hornets to 1-of-12 from the field.
Charlotte (18-53) was officially eliminated from postseason contention with the loss. Nick Smith Jr. led the Hornets with 19 points, while LaMelo Ball recorded 18 points and 11 assists.
Wiggins’ 42-point effort marked the highest scoring game by a Heat player this season, surpassing Herro’s three 40-point outings. It was also the second-highest scoring performance of Wiggins’ career, trailing only his 47-point game with Minnesota in 2016.
Miami’s defense tightened after a slow start, forcing 19 Charlotte turnovers and turning them into 26 points.
Bam Adebayo finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks for Miami, while Davion Mitchell contributed 12 points and seven assists off the bench.
Nikola Jovic remained sidelined with a hand injury, though head coach Erik Spoelstra indicated he is progressing toward a return.
The Heat will host the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, marking Wiggins’ first meeting with his former team since being traded to Miami last month.
