NBA: Overtime madness sends Heat to playoffs, Memphis end Dallas' season
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 19.04.25. | 10:09
Following the final two play-in games, we've got the last two NBA playoff participants, as Miami made history in Atlanta after overtime, while the Grizzlies didn't disappoint, smashing the Mavs at home
The NBA playoff picture is complete, and the final stage of the season can begin. Last night, the ultimate two play-in games were played, as the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies secured the last tickets for the post-season.
In the Eastern Conference, Erik Spolestra's crew became the first-ever #10 seed to reach the playoffs, though it was far from easy, as Atlanta proved to be a tough opponent. The Heat managed to "break" the Georgia side only after overtime - 123-114.
Trae Young was initially the Hawks' hero, sending the game to OT with 1.3 seconds on the clock. However, the home team scored only eight points in the additional five minutes, losing the period 17-8.
The aforementioned Young (29 points and 11 assists) and Onyeka Okongwu (28 points and 12 rebounds) were the best in Quin Snyder's squad, both noting double-doubles.
On the other hand, Tyler Herro was once again Miami's hero with 30 points, followed by Andrew Wiggins, who poured on 20. In the first round of the playoffs, the Heat will face the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Western Conference play-in clash was far less exciting as the Memphis Grizzlies were 17 points up already at the break. In the end, the team from Tennessee beat Dallas 120-106, thanks to the trio that scored more than half of their points - Jaren Jackson Jr. (24), Desmond Bane (22), and Ja Morant (22).
Anthony Davis' marvellous display and as many as 40 points weren't enough for the Mavs to reach the playoffs. Instead, they'll take a break until October while the Grizzlies will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While the play-in winners, Memphis and Miami, begin their playoff run tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, respectively, the opening playoff clashes will be played already tonight.
In the East, the Indiana Pacers host the Milwaukee Bucks (20.00), and the Detroit Pistons face the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden (01.00). As for the West, both Los Angeles crews will play tonight: the Clippers travel to Colorado to play the Denver Nuggets, while the Lakers await the Minnesota Timberwolves.
NBA PLAY-IN and PLAYOFFS
Eastern Conference
Saturday
Atlanta Hawks - Miami Heat 114-123 AOT
/Young 29 - Herro 30/
20:00: (1.60) Indiana (13.0) Milwaukee (2.60)
Sunday
01:00: (1.40) New York (14.0) Detroit (3.35)
Western Conference
Saturday
Memphis Grizzlies - Dallas Mavericks 120-106
/Jackson Jr. 24 - Davis 40/
22:30: (1.75) Denver (12.5) LA Clippers (2.30)
Sunday
03:30: (1.60) LA Lakers (13.0) Minnesota (2.60)
***odds are subject to change***
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