Play-In Pandemonium

04/12/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Hawks Upset Heat in Miami (116-105), Lakers Overcome 15-Point Deficit to Beat T-Wolves (108-102, OT)

Welcome to the postseason! The first set of NBA play-in games delivered a dynamite tip-off for the two months ahead. The word “pandemonium” is defined as wild chaos and confusion, and that certainly personifies the NBA’s play-in format. The Hawks and Lakers punched their tickets to the playoffs and secured the 7-seed in each conference, but it’s not over for the Heat and Timberwolves. Both teams will host the 8-seed play-in games on Friday against tonight’s winners. An upset in Miami and an OT thriller in Los Angeles? Let’s run it back.

 

Hawks def. Heat (116-105)

The first play-in game of the 2023 postseason was a road upset by the Hawks that was almost wire-to-wire. Miami hit the first shot of the game, but Atlanta responded and never trailed again. Despite an epic shooting night for Kyle Lowry (33 points, Six 3s), Miami was overwhelmed on the glass. The Hawks out-rebounded the Heat 63-39 thanks to a 21-rebound night from Clint Capela. Trae Young (25-8-7) was relatively cold (1-for-8, 3pt), but Atlanta got 53 points from the bench. The Hawks earned the 7-seed in the East and a matchup with the 2-seed Celtics while the Heat will host another play-in game on Friday for the 8-seed. 

 

Lakers def. Timberwolves (108-102, OT)

Chaos in Los Angeles was the true “welcome to the playoffs” moment for NBA fans. The Lakers overcame a 10-point deficit in the 4th quarter to win an overtime thriller against the short-handed Timberwolves. Minnesota was without Rudy Gobert (1-game suspension). LeBron James (30-10-6) and Anthony Davis (24-15-4) took over down the stretch as the Lakers mounted a late comeback thanks to a scoreless six-minute stretch for Minnesota. With the game tied (95-95), James found Dennis Schroder for the would-be game-winning 3 with 1.4 seconds left. On the ensuing possession, Davis fouled Mike Conley on a 3-point attempt. Conley hit all three from the stripe to force OT (98-98), but the cold streak continued for Minnesota. They scored just seven points in the final 11 minutes of regulation and OT. With the win, L.A. secures the 7-seed and a date with the 2-seed Grizzlies in the next round. The Timberwolves will host the consolation play-in on Friday for the 8-seed.

 

Tonight’s Schedule

Bulls at Raptors (7:00 pm ET)

Thunder at Pelicans (9:30 pm ET)

 

Friday’s Play-In (8-Seed)

Bulls/Raptors Winner at Heat (7:00 pm ET)

Thunder/Pelicans Winner at Timberwolves (9:30 pm ET)

 

Full NBA Playoff Bracket & Schedule

 

Fun Fact: With the Lakers’ win, all four California NBA teams are in the postseason for the first time ever — Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Warriors.

 

Additional Storylines

SI: Lakers Overcome 15-Point Deficit to Beat T-Wolves in OT, Grab No. 7 Seed in West

B/R: Trae Young Still Sizzles Amid Trade Rumors as Hawks Upset Heat in Play-In