The Miami Heat are back in the playoffs.
Powered by a clutch performance from Tyler Herro, the 10th-seeded Heat stunned the No. 8 Atlanta Hawks in a gritty 123-114 overtime win in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament, securing the final postseason spot and booking a first-round showdown with the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
They become the first 10-seed to reach the NBA playoffs.
Herro dropped 30 points, including six in overtime and five three-pointers, while nearly recording a triple-double with eight rebounds and seven assists. His timely scoring kept the Heat afloat during the final stretch, where they outscored Atlanta 17-8 in the extra period.
“Every single run they made, we answered,” said Herro. “This entire season up to this point is Heat Culture.”
Bam Adebayo made his presence felt on both ends, finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks, and two steals. His rim protection was a crucial difference-maker, especially as Miami outblocked the Hawks 8-3.
Andrew Wiggins also delivered a balanced outing with 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, helping carry the Heat offense.
The Hawks, led by Trae Young’s 29 points and 11 assists, fought to the very end. Young’s late-game heroics included a pair of layups that tied the contest at 106 to force overtime.
Onyeka Okongwu had a breakout night for Atlanta with 28 points and 12 rebounds, but the Hawks couldn’t overcome their struggles on the glass. Miami dominated the boards 54-44, including a 41-33 edge on the defensive end.
Dyson Daniels chipped in 11 points and a career-high nine defensive rebounds (10 total), but it wasn’t enough to push Atlanta past a determined Miami squad.
With the win, the Heat earn the No. 8 seed in the East and will face the Cavaliers in the opening round. That series tips off on Monday, April 21 at 1 a.m. (PH time).
For the Heat, it’s a familiar spot — entering the playoffs through the back door for the third consecutive season, but ready to make some noise once inside.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]
