Miami Heat: Defense clinches playoff spot with win over Atlanta
By Chase Eyrich
The Miami Heat clinched their spot in the 2018 NBA Playoffs on Tuesday night.
It may have taken a comeback, but the Heat earned their way into the playoffs with a dramatic 101-98 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
In just a game after Hassan Whiteside’s surprising comments following a loss to the Brooklyn Nets, the Heat looked to make their big man feel valued. Going to Whiteside early and often, The Great Wall didn’t answer the call.
Whiteside couldn’t get a fair bounce despite the rough start for the entire team. It took a 0-for-3 start for the big man to wake up. He made an immediate impact once he did.
The Heat needed all the help they could get on a poor shooting night. It was a clear path to success while working in the paint. They worked their way inside out; getting their rhythm down, Miami was able to work their way to the outside jumper.
Welcome to the block party
While at times you might have disagreed, it was a strong defensive night for the Heat. Whiteside might have started off slow on the offensive end, but got it done defensively. The Great Wall finished the night with three blocks.
He was followed by two others who made a huge defensive impact: Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson each sent two-shots back.
Add it to the record books
As if Dwyane Wade hasn’t done enough in his time with the Heat, the future Hall of Famer added to his resume. With a dish in the lane to Whiteside, Wade earned his 5,000 assist in a Miami Heat uniform.
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Wade is now the ninth player in NBA history to record 20,000 points and 5,000 assists with one team.
Someone must have told the Heat that a playoff spot was on the line at halftime. There was nothing spectacular about the third quarter, but the Heat played with more confidence.
The only problem, which kept the Hawks in it, was turnovers. The Heat gave away 14 turnovers by the end of the night. Chances to put away a bad Hawks team came in many different ways. Yet, the Heat were never able to capitalize.
A pair of 3-pointers proved that the Heat should be concerned, as the Hawks opened up a 80-89 lead.
Miami needed a rally so they went with Mr. Clutch, Wade; he threw down a monster slam that blew the roof off AmericanAirlines Arena.
Down to the wire, it was Whiteside proving he is a playmaker. A tip-off of Richardson’s miss gave the Heat a one-point lead. On the other end, he grabbed a huge rebound.
With one last opportunity, the Hawks gave it to Damion Lee. But, Richardson redeemed his last miss with a block to save the game.
Next: How Hassan Whiteside's comments were a Miami Heat wake-up call
Miami clinched a spot in the 2018 NBA Playoffs, but now the question is, who will they play?