Overview
- Miami erupted for 53 points in the first quarter — a franchise best and the NBA's second-highest opening period — shooting 67.7% with 10-of-15 from three, 13 assists and no turnovers.
- Charlotte trimmed a 26-point deficit with a 27-2 run to trail 72-69 at halftime, but the Heat reasserted control and closed strong in the fourth.
- Norman Powell led Miami with 25 points, with Andrew Wiggins adding 22, Pelle Larsson 19 and Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributing 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
- Rookie Kon Knueppel paced the Hornets with a season-high 30 points, while Tre Mann had 20 and Miles Bridges posted 14 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.
- Miami played without All-Stars Bam Adebayo (toe) and Tyler Herro (ankle), and Charlotte was missing LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Collin Sexton in the NBA Cup pool-play matchup.