In a thrilling showdown on Friday night, the Miami Heat secured their spot in the playoffs by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 123-114, marking a historic moment in NBA play-in tournament history. The Heat emerged as the first No. 10 seed in either conference to make the playoffs since the introduction of the current play-in format in the 2020-21 season, showcasing their resilience and determination.

Tyler Herro was the standout player for Miami, scoring an impressive 30 points, including two crucial 3-pointers during overtime. Despite a shaky start where he struggled to find his rhythm, the young star stepped up when it mattered most. He and teammate Davion Mitchell combined for an astounding 31 points during the pivotal fourth quarter and overtime, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure.

The game witnessed an intense back-and-forth battle, with Miami initially taking control by scoring the first 10 points and leading by as much as 17 points in the second period. However, the Hawks fought back, with Trae Young leading their charge. Young, who finished the night with 29 points and 11 assists, tied the game with a layup just 1.3 seconds before regulation ended, forcing the game into overtime.

Davion Mitchell had a rocky start, missing all four of his attempts in the first half and finishing regulation with just seven points. However, he showcased a remarkable comeback, sinking three 3-pointers in overtime, which not only matched his career high for any single quarter but also underscored his tenacity and dedication to the game. Miami's head coach, Erik Spoelstra, praised Mitchell's character, stating, "For him to struggle like that in the first half and have that kind of fourth quarter and overtime really speaks to his character." Mitchell himself acknowledged the support from Spoelstra and his teammates, which bolstered his confidence to keep shooting despite earlier disappointments.

Haywood Highsmith, another key player for the Heat, contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds, emphasizing the teams battle-tested nature. We did it the hard way. We're battle-tested, he remarked confidently, indicating that the Heat feel prepared to take on any challenge, especially now that they are slated to face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in their first-round playoff matchup on Sunday night.

Spoelstra expressed gratitude for making the playoffs, emphasizing the significance of being the first No. 10 seed to do so. Highsmith echoed this sentiment, stating, We fought to get into the playoffs. Now that we're in, we're not going to go out soft. This determination was evident throughout the game, as the Heat showed their grit and resolve, even when faced with adversity.

On the opposite side, the Hawks had their own moments of brilliance, with Onyeka Okongwu delivering a standout performance of 28 points and 12 rebounds. Coach Quin Snyder acknowledged the need for his players to be more aggressive with their shooting, especially from beyond the arc, after they had struggled in a previous game against the Orlando Magic. The Hawks attempted 21 three-pointers in the first half, converting five, but ultimately fell short of victory.

The Heat's playoff appearance marks their sixth consecutive postseason, tying for the longest streak in franchise history. With this victory, they have also secured their place in the annals of play-in tournament history, holding the record for the most play-in wins since the format was introduced. As the excitement builds for their upcoming clash with the Cavaliers, Miami fans are optimistic about their teams chances, reflecting on a season filled with ups and downs but culminating in a triumphant entry into the playoffs.

As the Miami Heat gear up for their playoff journey, the basketball world will be watching closely, eager to see how this underdog team navigates the challenges ahead.