H1: From Play-In to Play-Offs: Miami Heat & Memphis Grizzlies Punch Their Tickets
Meta Description: Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies secure final play-off spots, Miami’s Tyler Herro shines, Memphis shows depth.
The Big Picture
The NBA play-in tournament concluded with two nail-biting victories that sealed the last spots in the play-offs. In the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat defeated the Atlanta Hawks 123-114 in overtime, while the Memphis Grizzlies secured their place with a convincing 120-106 win over the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference.
Miami Heat: History Made in the Making
The Heat made history by becoming the first team since the introduction of the play-in format in 2021 to qualify for the play-offs after finishing outside the top six in their conference. They previously ousted the Chicago Bulls and stayed resilient to edge out the Hawks in an electric atmosphere.
–Tyler Herro, the game’s highest scorer with 30 points, was instrumental in Miami’s victory. "It feels great to contribute to the team’s success. We’ve got a tough series ahead, but we’re ready for it," Herro asserted.
Miami now faces the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the play-offs.
Memphis Grizzlies: Depth and Dominance
The Grizzlies cruised past the Mavericks, demonstrating theirindeness with three players scoring 22 points or more. Ja Morant scored 31 points, while Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. chipped in with 25 and 24 respectively.
–Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins lauded his team’s performance: "We showed what we’re capable of when we play together and trust each other. It’s a great win, but we know the real work starts now."
Memphis meets the Oklahoma City Thunder in their first play-off series. Each play-off series will follow the "Best of Seven" format.
Disappointment for Dallas
For the Dallas Mavericks, the season ended prematurely. The turmoil following superstar Luka Doncic’s departure earlier this year, coupled with an injury-plagued season, contributed to their elimination.
Play-In Results
Eastern Conference:
- Orlando Magic 120, Atlanta Hawks 95 (Winner clinches seventh seed)
- Chicago Bulls 90, Miami Heat 109 (Miami advances)
- OT: Atlanta Hawks 114, Miami Heat 123 (Miami clinches eighth seed)
Western Conference:
- Golden State Warriors 121, Memphis Grizzlies 116 (Winner clinches seventh seed)
- Sacramento Kings 106, Dallas Mavericks 120 (Memphis advances)
- Memphis Grizzlies 120, Dallas Mavericks 106 (Memphis clinches eighth seed)
Did you know?
The play-in tournament was introduced in the 2021 NBA season to add excitement and competitiveness to the regular season’s conclusion.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on the Miami Heat and their ability to surpass expectations in the play-offs.
Question: Who did Miami Heat defeat to secure their play-off spot?
Answer: Miami Heat defeated the Atlanta Hawks.
Call to Action
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