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.

Article Continues Below
More Charlotte Hornets News
Collin Sexton in Charlotte Hornets jersey wearing #2 and Jusuf Nurkic in Utah Jazz jersey wearing #27 with a purple background
Grading Hornets-Jazz trade involving Collin Sexton, Jusuf NurkicKris Pursiainen ·
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) and Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) after the game at Delta Center.
NBA rumors: Hornets’ Collin Sexton trade comes after Chris Paul revelationJaren Kawada ·
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) handles the ball against Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) during the second half at Spectrum Center.
Hornets acquire Collin Sexton from Jazz for Jusuf NurkicTroy Finnegan ·
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Spectrum Center.
Hornets rumors: Charlotte targeting move LaMelo Ball will loveJaren Kawada ·
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) dribbles beside Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the first quarter during game two of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
NBA rumors: Ty Jerome suitors lining up amid expected Cavs exitTroy Finnegan ·
Kon Knueppel stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fourth pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Charlotte Hornets 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickZachary Howell ·

“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.