The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament has come to a thrilling conclusion, with the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat securing their spots in the playoffs. Both teams overcame fierce competition in the final games of the tournament, showcasing resilience and determination.
Heat Make History: First No. 10 Seed to Reach the Playoffs
In one of the most exciting moments of the tournament, the Miami Heat pulled off a dramatic 123-114 overtime victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. This win not only clinched the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference but also made history as the first-ever No. 10 seed to advance to the playoffs.
It was a hard-fought battle, but the Heat ultimately triumphed in front of a raucous crowd. Jimmy Butler, the Heat’s superstar, delivered a clutch performance, contributing heavily to the overtime victory. “We just knew we had to dig deep. The playoff energy was there, and we took full advantage of it,” Butler said post-game.
The Heat will now face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs, a matchup that promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Grizzlies Dispatch Mavericks to Secure No. 8 Seed
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies made quick work of the Dallas Mavericks, securing a 120-106 win. With this victory, the Grizzlies earned their spot in the playoffs as the No. 8 seed. It was a dominant performance from start to finish, with Memphis showing why they deserve to be part of the postseason picture.
The Grizzlies now shift their focus to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the top seed in the West. This matchup will be a test for Memphis, but they’ve proven time and again that they can rise to the occasion when it matters most. “We just stuck to our game plan, and it paid off. Now it’s time for the real challenge,” said Ja Morant, who was instrumental in the win.
A Look Back at the NBA Play-In Tournament Results
The Play-In Tournament began earlier in the week, with some high-intensity games that set the stage for Friday’s epic showdowns.
On Tuesday, April 15, the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic secured the No. 7 seeds in their respective conferences. The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, came out on top in a 121-116 victory against the Grizzlies. Curry and teammate Klay Thompson combined for a staggering 75 points, proving their playoff experience would be a crucial factor moving forward.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic pulled away from the Hawks with a commanding 120-95 victory. With a 25-point margin of victory, the Magic demonstrated their strength and ability to close out games decisively.
Midweek Drama: Bulls and Kings Fall Short
The following night, the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks kept their playoff hopes alive with solid wins. The Heat easily dispatched the Chicago Bulls 109-90, showcasing their depth and leadership. Jimmy Butler again played a key role in the win, dominating on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks topped the Sacramento Kings 120-106, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown against the Grizzlies on Friday.
Friday Night Frenzy: Overtime Thrillers and Playoff Spots Secured
Friday, April 18, brought two intense games that ultimately decided the final playoff spots. The Heat’s 123-114 overtime victory over the Hawks sent them into the postseason, while the Grizzlies secured their spot with a 120-106 win over the Mavericks.
With the bracket now officially set, both teams can look forward to their respective playoff matchups. The Heat’s first-round clash with the Cavaliers will be a battle of contrasting styles, while the Grizzlies face the daunting task of taking on the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
Play-In Tournament Format: How It Works
For those unfamiliar with the Play-In Tournament, here’s a quick rundown. The teams seeded 7 through 10 in each conference battle for the final two playoff spots (No. 7 and No. 8 seeds). The team finishing seventh plays the eighth seed for the No. 7 spot, while the ninth and tenth seeds face off for a chance to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The winner of the 9/10 game then faces the loser of the 7/8 game in the final showdown, with the No. 8 seed up for grabs. If a team loses in either the 9/10 or 7/8 games, their season is over.
This format, introduced by the NBA in 2021, has brought a new level of excitement to the postseason, with teams fighting tooth and nail for a chance to play in the playoffs.
2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Schedule & Scores
Here’s a look at the complete schedule and results from the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament:
Tuesday, April 15
- Magic 120, Hawks 95
- Warriors 121, Grizzlies 116
Wednesday, April 16
- Heat 109, Bulls 90
- Mavericks 120, Kings 106
Friday, April 18
- Heat 123, Hawks 114 (OT)
- Grizzlies 120, Mavericks 106
As the NBA Playoffs loom, all eyes will be on the Heat and Grizzlies as they battle their way through the postseason. With the stage set, there’s no telling what drama and excitement the next few weeks will bring.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.