March 7th - The Heat defeated the Hornets 128-120. Herro scored 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists; Adebayo contributed 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists; and Hex scored 19 points. For the Hornets, Knipple scored 27 points, Miller had 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Ball added 21 points and 5 assists.

In the first quarter, Knipple hit a three-pointer to give the Hornets the lead. After Adebayo made a mid-range jumper, Ball and Knipple scored consecutive three-pointers, helping the Hornets briefly take the lead. However, Herro and Larson scored in succession, and the Heat completed a comeback at the end of the quarter. At the end of the first quarter, the Heat temporarily led 30-27 . In the second quarter, the Hornets went on an 8-3 run thanks to consecutive scores from Bridges and Miller to take the lead. At halftime, the Hornets led 61-58 .

After switching sides, the Hornets once took a 5- point lead, but Herro and Hex hit consecutive three-pointers to help the Heat keep the score close. After three quarters, the Hornets led 101-98 . In the final quarter, the score was tied at 108. In the crucial moments, the Heat went on a 7-0 run, with Herro hitting a three-pointer and Adebayo scoring repeatedly in the paint to widen the gap. Although Knipple scored consecutive points to narrow the deficit, the Heat calmly made free throws in the final moments to seal the victory. Ultimately, the Heat defeated the Hornets 128-120 .

Heat player statistics

Herro 35 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists; Adebayo 24 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists; Harks 19 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists; Mitchell 13 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists; Larson 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists; Weir 10 points, 4 rebounds; Gardner 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists; Yakucionis 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Hornets player statistics

Knipple 27 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists; Miller 22 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists; Ball 21 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists; White 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists; Bridges 12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist; Williams 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists; Diabate 6 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist; James 3 points

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