📍 Atlanta, Ga. — April 19, 2025

The Miami Heat made NBA history Friday night, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 123-114 in overtime to become the first No. 10 seed ever to reach the playoffs under the current play-in tournament format.

Tyler Herro led the way with 30 points, including two crucial three-pointers in overtime, helping Miami rally after squandering an early 17-point lead. The Heat now advance to face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, beginning Sunday night.

“I know how badly our group wanted to get into this thing,” Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “I could see it in their eyes and feel it in their heart.”

Herro and Mitchell Deliver in the Clutch

Herro and Davion Mitchell powered the Heat’s late surge. Mitchell, who had scored just seven points through regulation, exploded in overtime with three three-pointers — matching his career high for any quarter.

Combined, Herro and Mitchell accounted for 31 points across the fourth quarter and overtime. Herro also joined Stephen Curry as the only players with multiple 30-point games in a single season’s play-in tournament.

“We did it the hard way. We’re battle-tested,” said Haywood Highsmith, who contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds.

A Historic Play-In Run for Miami

The Heat became the first team to win two road games in the play-in tournament to secure a playoff berth. It marks Miami’s sixth consecutive playoff appearance, tying a franchise record.

“We fought to get into the playoffs,” Highsmith said. “Now that we’re in, we’re not going out soft.”

Hawks Fall Short Despite Trae Young’s Heroics

Atlanta nearly forced an upset after Trae Young’s driving layup with 1.3 seconds left sent the game to overtime. Young finished with 29 points and 11 assists, while Onyeka Okongwu delivered 28 points and 12 rebounds.

“Not making the playoffs is a failure to me,” Young said after the loss.

The Hawks battled back from an early deficit and briefly led in the fourth quarter behind Okongwu’s strong inside play and a barrage of three-point attempts. Atlanta shot 16-for-47 from beyond the arc but ultimately fell short in overtime.

Looking Ahead: Heat vs. Cavaliers

Miami’s resilience will be tested again as they face a Cleveland Cavaliers team that finished with the Eastern Conference’s best record. Spoelstra made it clear that his team, after surviving the gauntlet of the play-in tournament, embraces the challenge ahead.

“We’re the first team to do it, and why not?” Spoelstra said. “We can go anywhere and beat anybody.”

Game 1 between the Heat and Cavaliers tips off Sunday night, setting the stage for another intense postseason showdown.