Heat and Mavs Stun in Play-In Games, One Win Away From Playoffs
The Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks pulled off impressive road upsets Wednesday night, putting both teams just one victory away from securing playoff spots.
Miami’s shooters couldn’t miss in Chicago, while Dallas shocked Sacramento despite missing their biggest stars. Both underdogs now advance to Saturday’s final play-in games with momentum on their side.
Heat Torch Bulls in Chicago
Miami came out absolutely firing against the Bulls, pouring in a staggering 71 points in the first half alone. Chicago simply had no answer.
Tyler Herro led the Heat’s offensive explosion with 38 points, looking unstoppable all night.
By halftime, Miami had built a commanding 24-point lead that essentially put the game out of reach before the third quarter even started.
Andrew Wiggins added 20 points while Bam Adebayo contributed a solid 15-point double-double to round out Miami’s attack.
The Bulls tried mounting a comeback after the break, but it was way too little, too late. Miami cruised to a comfortable 19-point victory.
Mavericks Shock Kings Without Stars
If Miami’s win was surprising, Dallas pulled off something truly remarkable.
Playing without Luka Doncic and an injured Kyrie Irving, most fans had completely written off the Mavericks’ playoff chances. Vegas oddsmakers clearly agreed.
But Dallas didn’t get the memo.
In a nearly identical script to Miami’s game, the Mavs exploded for 71 first-half points and built their own 23-point halftime cushion.
Anthony Davis dominated in his first postseason appearance with Dallas, leading all scorers with 27 points. Klay Thompson chipped in 23 as the Mavericks secured a convincing road win that nobody saw coming.
Saturday Showdowns Will Decide Playoff Fate
These impressive wins won’t mean much if Miami and Dallas can’t finish the job this weekend.
Both teams face one final challenge on Saturday night, just as the first round of the playoffs begins elsewhere:
- Miami Heat @ Atlanta Hawks: 7:30 ET
- Dallas Mavericks @ Memphis Grizzlies: 9:30 ET
The betting lines suggest more tight contests ahead. Miami enters as slight 1-point underdogs against Atlanta, while Dallas faces steeper odds as 6.5-point underdogs in Memphis.
The reward for winning? A playoff berth, but with a tough first-round matchup. The Heat would face Cleveland while the Mavericks would battle Oklahoma City – both formidable opponents.
Still, after Wednesday’s performances, neither Miami nor Dallas will be intimidated by the challenge ahead.
