The race for the final two seeds in the Eastern Conference has been anything but boring. With the Pacers, Bulls, and Heat fighting for their playoff lives each night, we’ve seen some great basketball. On Monday, after the Pacers and Bulls won their respective games, the Heat had to win against Cleveland to stay alive. They did exactly that in overtime, defeating the Cavaliers, 124-121.
The Heat never folded after being behind for much of the game. They began the fourth quarter down 11, then went on a 28-6 run to take they lead. The Cavaliers then went on a run of their own and led late in the game but the Heat prevailed, forcing overtime.
It's WAYNE-ING in the 4th quarter! pic.twitter.com/oEf4q5rfon
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 11, 2017
Despite several wild plays, including the Heat fouling Deron Williams late in overtime for a four-point play, the Heat held on for the win. Miami got 23 points and 18 rebounds from Hassan Whiteside and 24 points from Tyler Johnson off the bench.
The Pacers, Bulls, and Heat will all play for their playoff destiny on Wednesday. For the Heat to make it, they’ll need a loss from the Pacers or Bulls and a win against the Wizards. It’s not totally in their control but they have a chance to fight.