CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a closely contested game, the Miami Heat edged out the Charlotte Hornets 116-114 on Monday night, thanks to Duncan Robinson’s sharpshooting and a standout performance from Kevin Love off the bench. Jimmy Butler and Caleb Martin also made significant contributions to the Heat’s victory, which broke their recent slump.
Duncan Robinson was the star of the show, hitting five 3-pointers to accumulate 24 points. His eagerness to rebound from a previous poor shooting performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers was evident in his aggressive play. Kevin Love, coming off the bench, had a season-high 19 points, hitting critical threes and adding depth to Miami’s offense.
The Hornets, despite a phenomenal 34-point effort from Terry Rozier, including eight 3-pointers, fell just short. Rozier’s last-second halfcourt attempt, which could have swung the game, unfortunately hit the backboard and bounced away.
Jimmy Butler added 23 points and eight assists, while Caleb Martin, facing his former team, had 20 points and nine rebounds in his best game since leaving Charlotte. Jaime Jaquez, contributing 18 points, also played a key role before fouling out late in the game.
Miami’s coach Erik Spoelstra praised Kevin Love for his leadership and impact, especially in combination with Jimmy Butler. The Heat led for most of the game and had a 12-point advantage going into the fourth quarter. However, the Hornets, fueled by Rozier’s sharpshooting, quickly reduced the deficit to one point.
The game’s closing stages were a back-and-forth affair. Kyle Lowry’s three-pointer, Love’s putback, and Robinson’s drives kept the Heat ahead. Charlotte’s resilience was evident as Rozier’s late 3-pointer and subsequent free throws kept them in contention.
In a strategic move, Miami decided to foul Rozier instead of allowing him to attempt a game-tying three. This decision, supported by Butler, demonstrated Miami’s adaptability and tactical awareness under pressure. Charlotte, without timeouts, was left to attempt a desperate final shot that ultimately missed its mark.
The teams are set to meet again Wednesday night in Miami, promising another exciting encounter.
