Tyler Herro scored 38 points to lead the Miami Heat past the Chicago Bulls, 109-90, in the NBA Play-In Tournament on Wednesday night.
With the win, Miami advanced to face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday for the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot and a chance to meet the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.
Erik Spoelstra credited his team’s defense and composure, emphasizing that the Heat remain focused on the larger goal.
“We’re only halfway there,” Spoelstra said. “We didn’t have the luxury of having the one game and then you’re automatically in. So guys feel great about this win — really put a lot into this.”
Herro hit his first eight shots and had 23 points by halftime, helping the Heat build a 71-47 lead at the break.
“He knew he was going to have to bring a lot to this game,” Spoelstra said of Herro. “Offensively he was there pretty much at every level all game long. But quietly, I thought he had a really good defensive game.”
The 25-year-old finished with 13-of-19 shooting from the field, including 3-of-7 from three-point range and 9-of-10 at the free-throw line.
Andrew Wiggins added 20 points and nine rebounds, while Bam Adebayo posted 15 points and 12 boards.
Spoelstra praised Adebayo for setting the tone early, saying, “Bam set the tone at the beginning of the game just with his energy and toughness.”
Davion Mitchell chipped in 15 points on 100 percent shooting off the bench and added nine assists, while Kyle Anderson contributed without scoring.
“Kyle, without scoring a basket in this game, had as much impact as anybody,” Spoelstra said. “I love stat lines like that — how much you can help win a game without scoring a point.”
The Heat defense forced 17 turnovers and blocked seven shots, holding Chicago to just 27 percent shooting from three-point range.
“We imposed a will defensively and competitively — on the glass, loose balls, things of that nature,” Spoelstra said. “Those will remain true as we get to Atlanta.”
Josh Giddey led the Bulls with 25 points and 10 rebounds, but Chicago never recovered after a 24-point halftime deficit.
Coby White added 17 points on 5-of-20 shooting, while Nikola Vucevic had 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Spoelstra acknowledged the Bulls’ offensive threat, noting how much respect the Heat had for their scoring ability.
“Chicago humbled us this year,” Spoelstra said. “They have a unique style of play. They can score. Holding that team to 90 is not an easy task.”
Miami now prepares for a quick turnaround in Atlanta with the postseason on the line.
“There will be some different specifics to their team,” Spoelstra said. “But our guys love to compete. I don’t think they would like two extra days waiting around to get after it.”
