Charlotte Hornets @ Miami Heat
Luol Deng scores 31 points, Heat rout Hornets in Game 1
MIAMI -- Luol Deng scored 31 points on 11-for-13 shooting, Hassan Whiteside added 21 points and 11 rebounds in his postseason debut, and the Miami Heat wasted no time taking control of what became a 123-91 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Dwyane Wade scored 16 points in 26 minutes for the Heat. Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire each scored 11 points and Goran Dragic had 10 assists for Miami.
Miami scored 41 points in the first quarter to tie one franchise playoff record, set another with the 123 points -- topping the 121 in the 2012 NBA Finals clincher against Oklahoma City -- and never trailed.
Nic Batum scored 24 points for the Hornets. Kemba Walker added 19.
Game 2 is Wednesday night in Miami.
Matchups
Game Information
Miami, FL

Referee:Ed Malloy
Referee:Ken Mauer
Referee:Sean Corbin

2025-26 Standings
| Southeast | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 46 | 36 | .561 | - | L1 |
| Orlando | 45 | 37 | .549 | 1 | L1 |
| Charlotte | 44 | 38 | .537 | 2 | W1 |
| Miami | 43 | 39 | .524 | 3 | W2 |
| Washington | 17 | 65 | .207 | 29 | L10 |
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