### Miami Heat Sets Franchise Record with Dominant First Quarter Against Hornets The Miami Heat showcased an extraordinary performance on November 8, 2025, defeating the Charlotte Hornets 126-108 in an NBA Cup game. The highlight of the match was the Heat's record-setting first quarter, where they scored 53 points, marking the highest-scoring quarter in the franchise's history and the second-highest in NBA history. Despite a strong comeback attempt by the Hornets, Miami maintained control throughout the game. Norman Powell led the Heat with 25 points, while rookie Kon Knueppel shone for Charlotte with a game-high 30 points. This victory solidified Miami's position as a formidable team in the league, even in the absence of their All-Stars, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Record-Setting First Quarter** - The Heat scored **53 points** in the first quarter, setting a franchise record and achieving the second-highest first-quarter score in NBA history [https://apnews.com/article/hornets-heat-score-7583c952e9d93ff8e58852f9a2864a36]. - Miami shot **67.7%** from the field and **66.7%** from three-point range during this period, with **13 assists** and **zero turnovers** [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/nba_roundup_heat_hammer_hornets_behind_53_point_quarter/s1_17045_43034613]. 2. **Player Performances** - **Norman Powell** led the Heat with **25 points**. - **Andrew Wiggins** contributed **22 points**. - **Jaime Jaquez Jr.** had a near triple-double with **18 points**, **9 assists**, and **8 rebounds** [https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/story/_/id/46888166/heat-set-franchise-record-53-point-1st-quarter-win-hornets]. - For the Hornets, **Kon Knueppel** scored a season-high **30 points**, while **Tre Mann** added **20 points**, **9 rebounds**, and **7 assists** [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/heat_scorching_in_53_point_first_quarter_hold_off_hornets/s1_17045_43034241]. 3. **Game Dynamics** - Despite a **27-2 run** by the Hornets, the Heat never relinquished their lead [https://wtop.com/sports/2025/11/powell-scores-25-heat-start-fast-and-run-away-from-hornets-in-nba-cup-126-108]. - The Heat's ability to maintain their lead was crucial, especially after their explosive start [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/miami-heat/heat-news-miami-makes-franchise-history-dominant-1st-quarter-hornets]. ### Summary of Findings - **Dominance in the First Quarter**: The Miami Heat's **53-point first quarter** was a historic achievement, showcasing their offensive prowess and setting a franchise record. - **Consistent Performance**: The Heat maintained their lead throughout the game, demonstrating resilience against a strong comeback from the Hornets. - **Key Contributions**: Players like Norman Powell and Jaime Jaquez Jr. played pivotal roles in securing the victory, highlighting the depth of the Heat's roster even without their star players. In conclusion, the Miami Heat's impressive victory over the Charlotte Hornets not only reflects their current form but also sets a benchmark for future performances in the NBA Cup. The combination of a record-setting first quarter and strong individual performances underscores their potential as a championship contender this season.