19.04.2025
Atlanta Hawks 114 - 123 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat clinched the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs after defeating the Atlanta Hawks in an overtime thriller. This win enables them to face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. Despite losing the regular-season series to the Hawks, who had a better record, the Heat prevailed in this crucial play-in matchup. The Heat's Tyler Herro was instrumental, scoring 38 points against the Chicago Bulls in a previous elimination game, maintaining his strong form from the regular season. Herro's performances have been pivotal, having scored 20 or more points in his last ten regular-season games. Conversely, Atlanta's star guard Trae Young had a mixed experience, rebounding from a challenging game against Orlando where he was limited to one 3-pointer and ejected, yet finished with 28 points. The Hawks had missed the chance to secure a playoff spot earlier when they were heavily defeated by the Magic. With this victory, the Southeast Division is guaranteed two playoff spots, equaling the number from the Atlantic Division.
Memphis Grizzlies 120 - 106 Dallas Mavericks
In an impressive display, the Memphis Grizzlies secured their spot in the NBA playoffs by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 120-106, with Ja Morant overcoming a sprained ankle to contribute 22 points and nine assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points, while Desmond Bane added 22, helping to suppress multiple comeback attempts by Dallas in the second half. With this victory, Memphis clinched the Western Conference's eighth seed and is set to face off against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs. Anthony Davis stood out for the Mavericks, scoring 40 points and grabbing nine rebounds, while Klay Thompson added 18 points.