The Charlotte Hornets celebrate the team’s win over the Miami Heat at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The Hornets defeated the Heat 127-126 in NBA Play-in-Tournament basketball game. Guard LaMelo Ball hit the game winning shot on a layup in the closing seconds.
JEFF SINER
jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Through the lens of our visual journalists, a moment in time is captured and becomes part of our history.
Each week the Charlotte Observer will present a selection of images that document communities.
This feature can be seen in Sunday’s newspaper and on our online Edition at eedition.charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte FC forward Rodolfo Aloko, left and Charlotte FC midfielder Brandt Bronico celebrate a goal against the Charlotte Independence at Mecklenburg County Regional Sportsplex in Matthews, N.C., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, center, looks toward an official as he finishes off a two-handed dunk as Miami Heat forward Pelle Larsson, left and forward Simone Fontecchio, right, look on during action at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The Hornets defeated the Heat 127-126 in NBA Play-in-Tournament basketball game. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte Catholic’s Marguerite McPhillips, left, fights to maintain control of the ball from Piedmont’s Lillian Ponscheck, right, during action on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Charlotte Catholic’s girls soccer team is ranked No. 4 in the nation by MaxPreps. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball drives to the basket for the game winning basket as Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., right, attempts a stop at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The Hornets defeated the Heat 127-126 in NBA Play-in-Tournament basketball game. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte FC forward Archie Goodwin, center, kicks the ball against the Charlotte Independence at Mecklenburg County Regional Sportsplex in Matthews, N.C., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White and the fans celebrate his three-point basket against the Miami Heat during action at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The Hornets defeated the Heat 127-126 in NBA Play-in-Tournament basketball game. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
