It went down to the buzzer on Sunday but the Miami Heat beat the Charlotte Hornets 94-93 for their second consecutive win.
The win improved Miami's record to 8-6 on the year and it also ended a three-game losing streak at home. The Heat are now in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings and are 3.5 games behind the top seed.
Three Heat players scored at least 20 points in a great team win. The Heat led at the half but trailed going into the fourth quarter. A 27-21 final quarter was enough for the close win. The Hornets had the ball down one with seconds to go but a great stand on defense by Miami preserved the victory.
Luol Deng scored 26 points to go along with eight rebounds and three assists. The forward played 38 minutes and was very active on defense as usual as well. Deng was credited with one block and the team was +6 while he was on the court.
With Dwyane Wade and Norris Cole both still out, another start was given to Mario Chalmers and Shannon Brown. Chalmers had 20 points and ten assists for a double-double The bulk of the points for Chalmers came in the fourth quarter. Brown did not score in his 17 minutes.
Chris Bosh had another double-double with his 20 points and ten rebounds. Bosh hit a couple of three-pointers but also turned the ball over five times. The All-Star also had a block and an assist.
Shabazz Napier had a big game with 14 points and 34 minutes off the bench. Napier sank four of the five three-pointers he attempted. The first round pick also had three assists and could be in line for more rotation minutes the rest of the way.
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Chris Andersen sprained his right ankle during the game and could miss a little time. Udonis Haslem would likely see more minutes in place of Andersen.
Miami will stay home for a game with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
