

Photo: Getty Images
LaMelo Ball shook off a rough second half and delivered in the clutch, lifting the Charlotte Hornets to an overtime win over the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Ball looked in control early, scoring 17 points in the first half, but his rhythm disappeared after the break. He went scoreless in the fourth quarter (0-for-4 shooting) and had key defensive lapses as Miami clawed back into the game.
The drama peaked in overtime after Ball committed a costly turnover. Tyler Herro drew a foul on a three-point attempt and converted the resulting free throws to give the Miami Heat a one-point lead. The Hornets star responded when it mattered most—driving through traffic for a go-ahead layup with just four seconds left to seal the win.
Ball finished with 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists on 12-of-31 shooting, including 2-of-16 from beyond the arc, overcoming inefficiency with a defining late-game moment.

