- Miami’s first-round opponent is the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, led by former Louisville star Donovan Mitchell.
Former Kentucky basketball standout Tyler Herro dropped back-to-back 30-point performances in the NBA play-in tournament to help the Miami Heat secure a playoff spot.
The Heat (37-45) became the first 10-seed in NBA history (the play-in tournament was introduced during the 2020-21 season) to make the playoffs Friday night, defeating the ninth-seeded Atlanta Hawks, 123-114, in overtime.
Herro scored a game-high 30 points with eight rebounds and seven assists. Fellow Wildcat Bam Adebayo recorded a double-double Friday, contributing 17 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.
The Heat defeated the ninth-place Chicago Bulls, 109-90, in their first play-in tournament game. Herro started the game a perfect 8 for 8 from the field to rack up 23 points in the first half. He finished the game with 38 points.
Miami’s first-round opponent is the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, led by former Louisville star Donovan Mitchell. The series will start on Sunday at 7 p.m. at Rocket Arena.
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Reach sports reporter Prince James Story at[email protected] and follow him on X at @PrinceJStory.
