Heat outlast Hawks in OT, clinch play-in win to face Cavs next
.jpg)
Here’s a rewritten version of the article with a smoother flow and journalistic tone while keeping all the key details:
MIAMI HEAT MAKE HISTORY, ADVANCE TO FACE CAVALIERS AFTER OVERTIME WIN IN ATLANTA
ATLANTA — The Miami Heat are heading to the playoffs — and making history in the process.
After pulling off back-to-back road wins in the NBA Play-In Tournament, the Heat became the first No. 10 seed to reach the playoffs since the format was introduced in 2020. Their latest feat: a gritty 123-114 overtime victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.
Tyler Herro led the charge with 30 points, including two clutch 3-pointers in overtime, while Davion Mitchell added a surprising boost down the stretch despite a slow start. The Heat now advance to face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of their first-round series Sunday night.
“I know how badly our group wanted this,” said Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra. “I could see it in their eyes, feel it in their hearts.”
HERRO DELIVERS, MITCHELL REDEEMS
Herro was expected to lead, and he did — especially in the game's biggest moments. He and Mitchell combined for 31 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, with Mitchell drilling three triples in the extra period to tie his career high for any quarter.
Mitchell, who had only seven points in regulation and missed all four of his first-half shots, credited Spoelstra and his teammates for sticking with him.
“I was forcing it in the first half,” Mitchell admitted. “I just reset mentally and let the game come to me. I believe in the work I’ve put in — even if I’m missing.”
Spoelstra praised Mitchell’s resilience: “For him to bounce back like that really speaks to his character.”
PLAYOFF-BOUND AGAIN
The Heat's victory marked their fourth all-time win in the play-in tournament — the most of any team since the concept was introduced. It also extended Miami’s playoff streak to six straight seasons, tying the franchise record.
“We did it the hard way. We're battle-tested,” said forward Haywood Highsmith, who posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. “We can go anywhere and beat anybody.”
Spoelstra added, “We’re the first No. 10 seed to do it, and we earned it. Two road wins? Why not?”
HAWKS PUSH HEAT TO THE BRINK
Atlanta refused to go quietly. Trae Young’s layup with 1.3 seconds left in regulation forced overtime, and he finished with 29 points and 11 assists. Onyeka Okongwu added 28 points and 12 boards, helping Atlanta erase a 17-point second-quarter deficit.
After shooting just 4-for-21 from deep in their previous game, the Hawks let it fly against Miami — attempting 21 three-pointers in the first half alone and finishing 16-for-47 from beyond the arc.
Still, it wasn’t enough.
“Not making the playoffs is a failure to me,” Young said.
CLUTCH TIME STATS – HERRO STEPS UP
In the game's final stretch, Herro proved unstoppable:
| Herro | Hawks | |
|---|---|---|
| Pts | 13 | 10 |
| FG | 5-7 | 5-11 |
| FG % | 71% | 46% |
| 3pt FG | 2-2 | 0-3 |
— ESPN Research
INJURY NOTES
Heat forward Nikola Jović, out since Feb. 23 with a fractured hand, was available but did not play. Guard Pelle Larsson (ankle) was also available for the first time since April 7.
Let me know if you want this cut down for social, newsletter, or highlights format too!