Charlotte Hornets getting some big-time love from NASCAR Nation

CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 25: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts to the crowd against the Miami Heat during game four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 25, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The Charlotte Hornets are getting some big-time NASCAR love.

With the Metro Charlotte area home to all the top NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racers, the NBA team has a strong following from drivers and crew chiefs.

Monday night, the Hornets beat the Miami Heat 89-85 to tie their NBA playoff series at 2-2, and the victory drew applause from the racing community.