Heat Edge Hawks in Playoff Thriller, Advance with Historic Run
Miami defeats Atlanta 123-114 in overtime, cementing their status as the first No. 10 seed in either conference to reach the playoffs under the current play-in format.
Tyler Herro led the charge with 30 points, including two crucial 3-pointers in the extra period, as the Miami Heat regrouped from an early deficit to claim victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. The win sends Miami into the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.
Historic Performance Sets Tone
The Heat made NBA play-in tournament history by winning two consecutive road games to punch their playoff ticket. Miami started strong against Atlanta, scoring the first 10 points and building a commanding 17-point advantage at 45-28 in the second quarter.
Davion Mitchell provided critical support off the bench, scoring just seven points in regulation before erupting for three 3-pointers in overtime. Haywood Highsmith added 12 points and 10 rebounds for Miami, which shot efficiently throughout the contest.
Hawks Mount Late Rally
Atlanta refused to go quietly, with Trae Young delivering a game-tying layup with 1.3 seconds remaining in regulation. Young finished with 29 points and 11 assists for the Hawks, demonstrating the offensive firepower that kept the Hawks competitive throughout.
Onyeka Okongwu was equally impressive for Atlanta, posting 28 points and 12 rebounds. The Hawks attempted 21 three-pointers in the first half alone, making five, and finished the game 16-for-47 from beyond the arc.
Miami Ready for Championship Run
Despite the loss, the Hawks showed resilience when Terance Mann tied the game at 88, and Young’s 3-pointer gave Atlanta its first lead at 91-88 with 7:36 remaining in regulation. However, Okongwu’s follow-up 3-pointer and subsequent dunk extended the Hawks’ advantage to 98-92 before Miami mounted its comeback.
Heat forward Nikola Jovic, sidelined since February 23 with a broken right hand, was available but did not play. The club’s depth and determination through adversity signals they will not be intimidated by the top-seeded Cavaliers.
“I know how badly our group wanted to get into this thing,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. “I could see it in their eyes and feel it in their heart.”
