The Miami Heat became the first No. They turned into all the first-ever 10th seed in the West to make the playoffs by knocking off two street video games. The Heat secured their place in the postseason by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 123-114. This win represents a significant turning point in the history of the franchise. The team’s success is a testament to their own resilience, as they were able to quickly regroup after losing a large lead early in the game.
The Heat began with a 10-0 lead, scoring on their first five possessions. They continued their strong play, growing their advantage to as many as 17 points at 45-28 with just under four minutes remaining in the first half. The Hawks fought back, closing the distance and eventually putting themselves in a position where they could upend the Heat.
Tyler Herro was the reason for the upset, pouring in 30 points and nailing two big three-pointers in overtime. His performance, along with that of teammate Davion Mitchell, who struggled initially but found his rhythm later in the game, was instrumental in securing the win. Mitchell was electric in the fourth quarter and overtime, scoring or assisting on 31 points during the clutch period.
“We did it the hard way. We’re battle-tested.” – Haywood Highsmith
The Miami Heat made history not only by winning but by breaking a tie with the Hawks, Pelicans, and Lakers for the most play-in wins of all time, with a total of four victories. This is an impressive feat considering we’ve had the current play-in format only since the 2020-21 season.
Erik Spoelstra, head coach of the Heat, expressed gratitude for his team’s accomplishment:
“I’m so grateful we’re in the playoffs. We’re the first team to do it, and why not, to take on two road games.”
The Heat’s inspirational path to the playoffs has been one of grit and tenacity. Haywood Highsmith emphasized their commitment to fighting for their place:
“We fought to get into the playoffs. Now that we’re in, we’re not going to go out soft.”
That recent win over the Atlanta Dream ensured their place in the playoffs. It pushed their playoff streak to six straight seasons, matching it for the longest in franchise history. That consistency and ability to keep cool under pressure is no more evident than this impressive achievement.
The Heat are raising the tide in anticipation of their upcoming battle. Their first-round matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers tips off this Sunday night for game one of the Eastern Conference playoffs. That’s sure to make for an interesting matchup, as both teams look to find their postseason stride.
Here in this game against Atlanta, Davion Mitchell was quiet out of the gates, going 0-for-4 in the first half. He staged an incredible revival, hitting three treys in the extension. Reflecting on his performance, Mitchell stated:
“I feel I was forcing it in the first half, trying to do too much. I just kind of reset in my mind… and let the game come to me…. I just believe in the work I’ve put in. Even if I’m missing shots, it’s OK.”
The Miami Heat’s incredible underdog run through the play-in tournament, not only in recent years but all-time, stands as a culture-building success story. With the playoff berth, they even got to celebrate a historic win. They’re armed with new knowledge and prepared to face the new challenges that lie ahead.
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