The Charlotte Hornets might've played one of their best games of the season. Unfortunately, they lost in a double-overtime thriller at home to the Miami Heat, 111-107.

It was a dogfight for all 48 minutes of regulation. It had the feeling of a slow slugfest 1980's NBA game. Both teams were just playing inspired defense and limiting easy baskets around the rim. It was such a tough game that regulation was tied at just 87 points. Most games in this era probably have 87 points combined by the end of the first quarter—no joke.

Another thing that wasn't a joke was the Hornets' performance. They went toe-to-toe with the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. It had the intensity of a playoff game. After the match, Miles Bridges was asked if he thinks the Hornets can hang with the top dogs in the Eastern Conference. You can probably guess his response.

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“I see ourselves as contenders. We've been in close games with all the best teams in the East. We could definitely compete with those teams at the top. We just gotta get our stuff together and we'll be good,” said Bridges.

Bridges' confidence has not wavered at all. The Hornets have lost seven straight home games, nine of their last 10, and they are 0-6 in overtime games this season. The game against the Heat was something they needed going into the All-Star break, and the high-flying forward remains adamant about their improvement.

The Hornets have about five days off and then they get right back to work. Some rest should do them some good as they get ready for the home stretch of the season.