Heat Hold Off Hornets

     The Miami Heat dropped the Charlotte Hornets 117-112 in overtime on Thursday night at FTX Arena. It was the first time this season that the Heat reached the overtime period. Both teams will meet in the same venue on Saturday night. 

     Miami(5-7) had a 32-27 advantage at the end of the first quarter and stayed ahead 58-50 by halftime. Charlotte(3-10) was down 85-73 after three quarters. The Hornets outscored the Heat 31-19 during the fourth quarter and tied it 104-104 to send the contest into overtime. 

     Jimmy Butler composed a double-double with a game-high 35 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for Miami. Bam Adebayo also had a double-double of 18 points along with 14 rebounds. Duncan Robinson added 14 points and Max Strus drained in 12 points. Kelly Oubre Jr. led Charlotte with a team-high 29 points and Terry Rozier delivered 22 points.