Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Heat Defeat Hawks in Overtime Thriller, Advance in NBA Play-In Tournament
In a captivating NBA play-in tournament contest, the Miami Heat rallied after relinquishing an early advantage to overcome the Atlanta Hawks 123-114 on Friday night. Tyler Herro led Miami with an impressive 30 points, including two crucial three-pointers in overtime, securing a historic victory for the Heat.
The Heat’s triumph marks a significant milestone as they become the first No. 10 seed in either conference to reach the playoffs under the current play-in format, introduced in the 2020-21 season. Furthermore, Miami is the first play-in team to advance with two victories on the road.
Eastern Conference Playoffs: Heat vs. Cavaliers
Miami is now set to face Cleveland on Sunday night, commencing their first-round Eastern Conference playoffs series.
While Davion Mitchell contributed only seven points during regulation time, he emerged as a key player in overtime, sinking three pivotal three-pointers for Miami.
Game Highlights: Hawks vs. Heat
The Hawks’ Trae Young delivered a game-tying lay-in with just 1.3 seconds left in regulation, forcing the game into overtime at 106-106. Young concluded the night with 29 points and 11 assists, while Onyeka Okongwu posted a double-double with 28 points and 12 rebounds for Atlanta.
Miami initiated the game assertively, scoring the first 10 points and establishing a 17-point lead at 45-28 in the second quarter.
Atlanta managed to level the score at 88, marking the first tie of the game, with a layup from Terance Mann. Shortly after, Young’s three-pointer propelled Atlanta into their first lead at 91-88 with 7:36 remaining in regulation.
The Hawks held a narrow 93-92 edge before Okongwu connected with a three-pointer. Following a steal by Dyson Daniels, Okongwu extended Atlanta’s lead to 98-92 with a powerful slam dunk.
Team Updates and Strategy
Nikola Jović, Heat forward, returned to availability after being sidelined since February 23 with a fractured right hand, although he did not participate in the game. Guard Pelle Larsen (ankle) was also available, marking his first appearance since April 7.
Following a previous game against Orlando where the Hawks recorded season lows in three-pointers made (four) and attempted (21), Hawks coach Quin Snyder emphasized the need for players to “be more willing to take contested threes.”
In response, the Hawks attempted 21 three-pointers in the first half alone against Miami, converting five. Throughout the entire game, Atlanta made 16 of 47 attempts from beyond the arc.