Thursday, April 16, 2026-The Portland Trail Blazers have officially punched their ticket to the playoffs after a dramatic comeback win over the Phoenix Suns, sealing their place as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.
Powered by a standout 41-point performance from Deni Avdija, Portland erased a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit and delivered in clutch moments to secure a 114–110 victory. The win not only caps a resilient push through the play-in tournament but also sets up a first-round showdown with the San Antonio Spurs.
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets kept their postseason hopes alive with a thrilling 127–126 overtime win against the Miami Heat. LaMelo Ball delivered the decisive moment, scoring the game-winning layup in the final seconds of overtime to push Charlotte forward in the play-in bracket. The victory eliminates Miami and sends the Hornets into a final do-or-die matchup for the Eastern Conference’s last playoff spot.
With momentum on their side, both teams now face defining moments. Portland moves into the playoffs with confidence after a statement comeback, while Charlotte must survive one more test to complete its unlikely run. As the play-in drama unfolds, the intensity is rising—and every possession now carries postseason weight.

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