Monk runs show as Hornets frustrate Heat in OT

Malik Monk NBA

LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets greets teammates Caleb Martin #10, Devonte’ Graham #4, and Malik Monk #1 following their win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center on January 30, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images/AFP

Reserve Malik Monk scored a career-high 36 points, helping the Charlotte Hornets rally to an overtime win 129-121 at Miami.

Monk, who entered the game averaging 6.3 points, made 11 of 18 shots, including 9 of 13 from 3-point range. He also sank a 3-pointer with 17 seconds left in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

Hornets rookie point guard LaMelo Ball, making his first NBA start, had 14 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

Miami was led by Jimmy Butler, who had 25 points and nine rebounds. Bam Adebayo, who fouled out in overtime, had 23 points and nine rebounds.

The Heat’s Max Strus, an undrafted player competing in just his 13th NBA game, had 17 of his career-high 19 points in the first half.

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