The Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 93-75, at American Airlines Arena on Sunday afternoon.

The Heat (33-36) didn't exactly get off to the best of starts in their ongoing quest to defend the eighth seed, as they mustered just 19 points in the first quarter. Their defense was solid, however, and Miami managed to forge a two-point lead over the Hornets (31-38) by halftime. The game remained close throughout the third quarter before the home squad hit its stride on both ends of the floor over the final 12 minutes. The Heat totaled a game-high 32 points in the fourth while limiting the visitors to just 15 points during the period. Both teams shot under 40.0 percent, but Miami won the rebounding battle by a 55-44 margin.

Jeremy Lamb led the way for the Hornets with 21 points, adding four rebounds, one assist and four steals. Frank Kaminsky supplied 13 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Nicolas Batum delivered 12 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Tony Parker poured in 11 points. Kemba Walker shot just 4-for-16 on his way to 10 points and also posted four rebounds, four assists and one steal.

Goran Dragic paced the Heat with 19 points and complemented them with four assists and two rebounds. Dwyane Wade collected 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Bam Adebayo totaled 16 points, nine boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Dion Waiters poured in 12 points and added four rebounds and three assists. Josh Richardson managed to drain just two of 17 attempts while generating seven points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.

The Hornets head back home to take on the Philadephia 76ers on Tuesday evening, while the Heat pays a visit to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.