Miami Heat set franchise record with 53-point first quarter against Charlotte Hornets

Miami Heat Set Franchise Record with 53-Point First Quarter Against Charlotte Hornets

The Miami Heat scored 53 points in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, setting a new franchise record for points in any quarter. This performance is also the second-highest scoring opening period in NBA history.

Game Highlights

Miami made 10 three-pointers in the first quarter.
The Heat led 53-33 at the end of the period.
Nine Miami players participated in the quarter, and all scored.
Norman Powell led the team with 11 points during the opening quarter.

Historical Context

The NBA record for most points in a first quarter is 55, set by Golden State against Portland on April 9, 2023. Before this game, Miami’s highest points in a single quarter was 48 in the fourth quarter against New York on March 2, 1989. Their previous first-quarter record was 47 points at Washington earlier in the season.

"The 53-point outburst tied for the ninth-highest scoring quarter in the NBA’s shot-clock era, which goes back to 1951, including playoff games."

Photographs from the Game

Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson drives to the basket over Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges during the first half.
Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. drives to the basket as Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate defends during the first half.

Summary: Miami Heat's record-breaking 53-point first quarter marks a historic moment, demonstrating their offensive power and ranking amongst the highest-scoring NBA quarters ever.

AP News — 2025-11-08