Before the 2025 NBA Playoffs officially begin, the play-in tournament continues to deliver high-stakes drama—and two teams stepped up with commanding performances to keep their seasons alive.
On Wednesday night, the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat each secured convincing wins in elimination games, advancing to the final round of the play-in. Dallas rolled past Sacramento behind a resurgent performance from Anthony Davis, while Miami dismantled Chicago with a fast-paced offensive assault led by Tyler Herro.
Mavericks Take Control in Sacramento
Final: Dallas 120 — Sacramento 106
The Dallas Mavericks looked every bit like a playoff team in their 14-point road win over the Sacramento Kings, silencing critics—at least for now—after a rollercoaster season headlined by the blockbuster Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade.
With Kyrie Irving sidelined due to a torn ACL, it was Davis and Klay Thompson who rose to the occasion. Davis dominated on both ends, finishing with 27 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. Thompson added 23 points, 16 of which came in a game-breaking second quarter where Dallas outscored Sacramento 44–19.
This was the Mavericks’ first postseason outing since last year’s Finals appearance, and their defensive intensity reflected that urgency.
“We’re desperate to keep this run going,” Thompson said. “We played free, we played together—and when we do that, we’re dangerous.”
Sacramento, meanwhile, saw a difficult season end in disappointment. With De’Aaron Fox traded midseason and head coach Mike Brown dismissed shortly after, the Kings never truly found their footing. ESPN reported postgame that general manager Monte McNair will also part ways with the franchise.
Up next for Dallas: a trip to Memphis on Friday. The winner clinches the No. 8 seed in the West and will open the playoffs against top-seeded Oklahoma City.
Heat Cruise in Chicago
Scoreline: Miami 109 — Chicago 90
The Miami Heat came into Wednesday night on the brink of elimination—but played like a team with championship intent.
Tyler Herro put on a show in the first half, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the field en route to 23 points before the break. He finished the night with 38 points, five rebounds, and four assists as Miami surged ahead early and never allowed the Bulls to recover.
The Heat opened up a 39–28 lead after the first quarter, then stretched the margin to 71–47 by halftime. Chicago’s defense had no answer, and boos rained down from the home crowd by intermission. A brief third-quarter push reduced the deficit, but the Bulls never got closer than 10 points.
The loss ends Chicago’s season, while Miami will now face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. The winner grabs the No. 8 seed in the East and a playoff matchup with the Boston Celtics.
What’s Next in the NBA Play-In Tournament
Friday’s Win-Or-Go-Home Matchups:
- Eastern Conference: Heat @ Hawks — Winner claims East’s 8th seed
- Western Conference: Mavericks @ Grizzlies — Winner secures West’s 8th seed
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