Portland Trail Blazers Secure NBA Playoff Berth, Hornets Advance in Play-in Tournament

The Portland Trail Blazers have clinched a playoff spot after overcoming an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Phoenix Suns 114-110. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets have progressed in the NBA's play-in tournament following a thrilling 127-126 overtime victory over the Miami Heat. Deni Avdija was instrumental in the Trail Blazers' win, scoring 41 points, including a crucial three-pointer with 16.1 seconds remaining, and adding 12 assists. The Blazers will face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs as the No 7 seed in the Western Conference. In the Eastern Conference, the Hornets will next play the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers' meeting with the Orlando Magic. LaMelo Ball scored the winning layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime to seal the Hornets' victory, while Miles Bridges blocked a shot at the buzzer to eliminate the Heat from the playoffs.