Charlotte survives OT
Charlotte beat Chicago in overtime after Coby White hit a game-tying 3 at the buzzer and LaMelo Ball delivered the go-ahead basket, while Mikal Bridges’ block sealed the win as Charlotte stays alive in the play‑in. ( )
Charlotte kept its season alive Tuesday night, beating Miami 127-126 in overtime on LaMelo Ball’s layup with 4.7 seconds left. (espn.com) The game ended on one more last-second play: Miles Bridges blocked Davion Mitchell’s layup attempt at the buzzer after Miami had tied regulation late and pushed the East 9-versus-10 play-in game into overtime. (nba.com; espn.com) Ball finished with 30 points and 10 assists, and Bridges added 28 points and nine rebounds in Charlotte. Mitchell scored 28 for Miami in a one-point loss. (espn.com) The result eliminated Miami from the postseason and moved Charlotte into Friday’s Eastern Conference play-in game for the No. 8 seed. ESPN’s schedule listed Charlotte at the loser of Orlando-Philadelphia on April 17. (espn.com; usatoday.com) This was Charlotte’s first postseason home win in 10 years, according to ESPN’s game recap. It came in the National Basketball Association’s play-in format, where the No. 9 and No. 10 teams play an elimination game for the right to keep chasing the final playoff berth. (espn.com; nba.com) Charlotte entered as the East’s No. 9 team after finishing 44-38, while Miami was No. 10 at 43-39. Tuesday’s game was the first of two Eastern Conference play-in matchups this week. (espn.com; espn.com) The Hornets now get one more chance to reach the playoffs. Their season, which was 4.7 seconds from ending in overtime, lasts at least until Friday. (espn.com; espn.com)
