- Tyler Herro dominates with 30 points including clutch overtime 3-pointers
- Miami becomes first No. 10 seed to advance through NBA play-in format
- Heat overcome 14-point lead collapse to secure Eastern Conference playoff spot
In a game that reshaped NBA play-in history, the Miami Heat demonstrated championship resilience at State Farm Arena. Tyler Herro's career-defining performance saw the guard net 30 points, with back-to-back three-pointers in overtime sealing a 123-114 victory against the Atlanta Hawks. This marks the first time since the play-in tournament's 2021 inception that a bottom-seeded team has reached the main bracket.
The South Florida franchise now faces the Cleveland Cavaliers in Sunday's opening playoff round, a matchup showcasing contrasting roster strategies. While Herro's offensive fireworks dominated headlines, defensive adjustments proved equally crucial. Miami limited Atlanta to 39% shooting in overtime after surrendering a double-digit lead during regulation.
Financial analysts note this victory guarantees Miami at least $2.3 million in playoff revenue - critical for a team facing luxury tax pressures. The Heat's success also validates the NBA's play-in structure, which has increased late-season viewership by 18% since implementation according to league reports.
Regional sports historians draw parallels to Miami's 1997 MLB World Series win, another underdog story fueled by clutch performances. Florida's unique tax advantages continue attracting veteran talent, with 43% of NBA players citing no state income tax as a relocation factor in recent surveys.
As the playoffs commence, all eyes remain on Herro's scoring consistency. The 24-year-old has improved his fourth-quarter shooting percentage to 47% this season, up from 39% in 2022-23. Miami's ability to convert defensive stops into transition opportunities (18 fast-break points against Atlanta) could prove decisive against Cleveland's top-10 ranked defense.