The NBA Play-In Tournament wrapped up with thrilling matchups on April 18, 2025, as the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat secured their spots in the playoffs, sending the Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks home for the summer.
The Grizzlies triumphed over the Mavericks with a solid 120-106 victory in the final game of the tournament, advancing to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. This win marked a strong finish for Memphis, who showcased their depth and resilience throughout the game.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat faced a nail-biter against the Atlanta Hawks, ultimately winning 123-114 in overtime. The game was a rollercoaster ride, with the Heat nearly blowing a 17-point lead before Davion Mitchell stepped up in the extra period. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored nine points in overtime, including the game-winning three-pointer, finishing with a total of 15 points after a slow start.
Tyler Herro also had a standout game for Miami, dropping 30 points on 47.6 percent shooting. His fourth-quarter scoring spree was crucial in preventing the Hawks from seizing control late in the game. Heat fans were on the edge of their seats as the team battled through a tense final stretch.
As the game progressed, the Hawks made a valiant effort to claw back into contention. They cut the Heat's lead to just two points with 9:11 left in the fourth quarter, thanks to a wide-open three-pointer from Dyson Daniels. However, Miami held firm, with key contributions from players like Haywood Highsmith, who had a steal that turned the momentum in favor of the Heat.
Despite a strong showing from the Hawks, who led the way in fast-break points, second-chance points, and free-throw percentage at halftime, Miami's defense tightened when it mattered most. The Heat led 88-86 with just under ten minutes remaining, showcasing their grit and determination.
In the third quarter, the Heat maintained a nine-point lead at 86-77, thanks to back-to-back corner jumpers from Kyle Anderson that energized the crowd. Anderson's contributions, alongside those of Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins, were vital. Adebayo, in particular, has been flourishing in his new role as a power forward, benefitting from the presence of Kel'el Ware in the lineup. This dynamic has allowed him to showcase his versatility on both ends of the court.
As the game wore on, the Hawks went on a 9-0 run, cutting the deficit and keeping the pressure on Miami. However, the Heat's ability to respond, particularly through Mitchell and Herro, proved decisive in the end.
With this victory, the Heat became the first No. 10 seed to advance to the playoffs since the introduction of the play-in tournament. They will now face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, with Game 1 set for Sunday night at Rocket Arena.
Fans are breathing a sigh of relief as the Heat have secured their postseason berth for the third consecutive season, this time as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. The excitement surrounding Miami's playoff run is palpable, especially with standout performances from their key players.
As for the Mavericks, their season comes to an end, leaving fans and players alike to ponder what went wrong in a year filled with high expectations. The defeat marks a disappointing conclusion for a team that had hoped to make a deep playoff run.
In summary, the NBA Play-In Tournament delivered unforgettable moments as the Grizzlies and Heat emerged victorious, setting the stage for an exhilarating playoff season ahead. Fans are eager to see how these teams will perform in the first round, with both looking to make a statement as they chase the ultimate prize.
