The NBA playoff picture is officially set following an action-packed night in the play-in tournament, as the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies secured the final two postseason berths in their respective conferences.
In the Eastern Conference, the 10th-seeded Miami Heat made history by becoming the first No. 10 seed to advance out of the play-in round. Miami defeated the Atlanta Hawks 123-114 in overtime on Friday night, clinching the eighth seed and a first-round matchup against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
Coming off a gritty win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, the Heat entered the contest with momentum and quickly established control, building a 17-point lead in the first half. However, Atlanta clawed back in the fourth quarter behind a stellar performance from Trae Young, who scored 29 points. Young’s driving layup with one second remaining tied the game at 106, forcing overtime.
But in the extra period, it was Heat reserve Davion Mitchell who stole the show. The guard scored nine of his 16 points in overtime, including three crucial 3-pointers, single-handedly outscoring the Hawks in the final five minutes. Tyler Herro led all scorers with 30 points for Miami in a milestone victory.
With the win, the Heat not only advance to the playoffs but also etch their names into the record books as the first team from the 10th spot to emerge from the play-in tournament. Their series with the Cavaliers begins Sunday.
In the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies thwarted any chance of another 10th seed advancing, overpowering the Dallas Mavericks 120-106 to secure the final playoff slot and set up a clash with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Grizzlies dominated from the outset, racing to a 39-24 lead after the first quarter and extending it to as much as 25 in the second. Despite playing through a sprained ankle suffered earlier in the week, Ja Morant chipped in 22 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 24. All five Memphis starters scored in double digits in a strong team showing.
For the Mavericks, it was a disappointing end to a turbulent season. Anthony Davis, acquired mid-season in a blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers, poured in 40 points, but he received little support. Klay Thompson added 18, while two starters failed to score at all. With injuries plaguing the team and the stunning departure of Dončić, Dallas’ championship hopes faded long before Friday’s loss.
With the Heat and Grizzlies advancing, the NBA playoffs begin in full on Saturday. The Finals are scheduled to begin on June 5.
