Dyson Daniels' stellar season ends after overtime thriller against Miami Heat
Dyson Daniels' stellar season with the Atlanta Hawks has come to an end in a heartbreaking overtime defeat against the Miami Heat on Saturday.
The Australian guard has emerged as an underdog contender to take out the Defensive Player of the Year title for this season following an impressive run with the Hawks.
But his hopes to claim an NBA championship title in his third season of his career were quickly dashed in a thrilling overtime battle at State Farm Arena.
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Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks rebounds the ball. NBAE via Getty Images
After making NBA Play-In Tournament history by winning two road games, the Miami Heat won't be afraid of facing No. 1 seed Cleveland in the playoffs.
Tyler Herro scored 30 points while sinking two 3-pointers in overtime, and the Heat regrouped after losing an early lead to beat the Atlanta Hawks 123-114.
Davion Mitchell scored only seven points in regulation before adding three 3-pointers in overtime for Miami.
The Heat became the first No. 10 seed in either conference to make the playoffs since the current play-in format was launched in the 2020-21 season.
“We did it the hard way. We're battle-tested,” said Miami's Haywood Highsmith, who had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
“We can go anywhere and beat anybody.”
Haywood Highsmith of the Miami Heat handles the ball while Georges Niang attempt to steal. NBAE via Getty Images
Asked about the challenge of facing Cleveland, Spoelstra said, “I'm so grateful we're in the playoffs. We're the first team to do it, and why not, to take on two road games.”
Added Highsmith: “We fought to get into the playoffs. Now that we're in, we're not going to go out soft.”
Trae Young’s lay-in with 1.3 seconds remaining in regulation tied the game at 106, forcing overtime.
Young scored 29 points with 11 assists. Onyeka Okongwu had 28 points with 12 rebounds.
“Not making the playoffs is a failure to me,” Young said.
Miami started strong, scoring the game’s first 10 points and leading by 17 points at 45-28 in the second period.
The Hawks tied the game for the first time at 88 on a layup by Terance Mann. Young’s 3-pointer gave Atlanta its first lead at 91-88 with 7:36 remaining.
Atlanta led 93-92 before Okongwu hit a 3-pointer. Following a steal by Dyson Daniels, Okongwu’s jam extended the lead to 98-92.
Heat forward Nikola Jovic, who had been out since late February with a broken right hand, was available but did not play. Guard Pelle Larsson (ankle) was also available for the first time since April 7.
After setting season lows with four 3-pointers made and 21 attempted against Orlando in the first play-in game, coach Quin Snyder said his players “have got to be more willing to take contested 3s.”
The Hawks responded by attempting 21 3s in just the first half against Miami, while making five. For the game, Atlanta made 16 of 47 3s.
Miami will play at Cleveland on Monday (AEST) in the opening game of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
“I know how badly our group wanted to get into this thing,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said.
“I could see it in their eyes and feel it in their heart.”
