HEAT POSTCAST: Played In! HEAT STAY HOT, BEAT HAWKS 123-114 in OT in Atlanta to Make NBA Playoffs

The Heat came out hot, scoring the game’s first 10 points and leading by 17 (45-28) in the 2nd quarter, then regrouped after losing that lead late to beat the Atlanta Hawks 123-114 in OT on Friday night and head into the playoffs to face the #1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers.

 

The Heat became the 1st 10-seed in the NBA to make the playoffs since the current play-in format was launched in the 2020-21 season. Miami also became the 1st play-in team to advance with 2 road wins.

 

Tyler Herro played like one, scoring 30 points, sinking a pair of huge 3-pointers in OT and consistently being the best player on the court the entire game.

 

Davion Mitchell was sensational down the stretch and in overtime, hitting huge 3’s and locking down Atlanta’s star Trae Young for much of the game.

 

Young, who still scored 29 points and sent the game into OT with a beautiful driving layup at the end of regulation, had just 11 points through the 1st 3 quarters.

 

A big reason why was Miami Captain Bam Adebayo, who controlled the middle and ruled the paint with rookie Kel’el Ware, making it almost impossible for the Hawks to score in the paint.

 

Bam and Ware were magnificent all night- combining for 29 points, 19 rebounds, and blocking 8 shots.

 

Andrew Wiggins added 20 for the Heat, to go along with 8 rebounds and 8 assists.

 

Mitchell scored 16, and Haywood Highsmith added 12 points and 10 rebounds.

 

Every time Atlanta hit Miami with a run to get close, the Heat hit them right back harder, and faster.

 

The Hawks shot just 5-21 from 3 in the 1st half, 16-47 for the game.

 

The Heat maintained control of the game with tenacious D + rebounding, patiently executing their offense, and just playing beautiful basketball.

 

Onyeka Okongwu was great for Atlanta, scoring 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.

 

***** ‘LIVE’ Instant Post-Game Reaction from Jim “GRIES” Grieshaber

——-

Miami will play at Cleveland Sunday in the opening game of the 1st round of the playoffs, with tip set for 7pm ET.

 

Your HEAT POSTCAST- hosted by Jim “GRIES” Grieshaber- is ‘LIVE’ right after the game.

——-

Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! 

One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com. 

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 

SKIMSShop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. 

HungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.    

WayFair - After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.  

OpenPhone - Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at OpenPhone.com/LOCKEDONNBA.  

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k - Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required. 

Upwork - Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free. With Upwork, you can find specialized freelancers in marketing, development, design, and more—experts ready to help you take your business to the next level.  

Prizepicks - Now’s the perfect time to join. Download the app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5