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NBA Play-In 2025: Grizzlies and Heat Clinch Final Playoff Berths
The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament wrapped up with two high-intensity showdowns on Friday night. The Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat emerged victorious, claiming the final two playoff spots in the Western and Eastern Conferences respectively. Here’s a quick recap of both games and what lies ahead in the postseason.
Grizzlies Dominate Mavericks to Seal West’s Final Spot
At FedEx Forum, the Memphis Grizzlies cruised past the Dallas Mavericks with a dominant 120-106 win. Ja Morant returned from a minor injury scare and powered the Grizzlies with 22 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds—nearly securing a triple-double.
The Grizzlies led by 17 at halftime and held off a brief Mavs push in the third quarter. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 24 points and 7 boards, while Desmond Bane matched Morant’s 22-point performance.
Despite a 40-point outburst from Anthony Davis, Dallas couldn’t keep pace. Davis, who’s been battling injuries, limped off in the fourth quarter, adding to the Mavericks’ woes.
🔗 Related: Ja Morant’s Top 5 Clutch Performances in 2025
The Grizzlies now face a tough first-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who won 68 games this season, setting a record for double-digit victories.
Heat Edge Hawks in OT Thriller, Make Play-In History
In the East, the Miami Heat pulled off a historic win, becoming the first No. 10 seed to advance through the play-in tournament after beating the Atlanta Hawks 123-114 in overtime.
Tyler Herro led all scorers with 30 points, delivering key 3-pointers in crunch time. Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins chipped in with 16 and 20 points respectively.
Despite trailing most of the game, Atlanta took the lead in the fourth quarter thanks to Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu. Young’s layup sent the game into OT, but Miami dominated the extra frame with clutch shooting.
🔗 Also Read: How Tyler Herro Became Miami’s Go-To Closer
Miami will now face the No. 1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in a highly anticipated first-round clash.
What’s Next?
With the play-in games settled, the 2025 NBA Playoffs are officially set. Both the Grizzlies and Heat will look to ride their momentum into Round 1, but their upcoming matchups won’t be easy.
Game 1:
- Grizzlies vs Thunder – Sunday Afternoon, OKC
- Heat vs Cavaliers – Sunday, 7 PM ET
Stay tuned for more NBA Playoffs 2025 coverage, match previews, and player performance breakdowns.
