In a heart-pounding NBA Play-In Tournament showdown on April 16, 2025, Tyler Herro turned in a performance for the ages, powering the Miami Heat to a commanding 109-90 victory over the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.
With their postseason dreams hanging in the balance, the 10th-seeded Heat leaned on their All-Star guard to deliver a masterclass in scoring and clutch playmaking, keeping their playoff hopes alive in electrifying fashion.
Herro was nothing short of sensational, dropping a game-high 38 points on an ultra-efficient 13-of-19 from the field, including 3-of-7 from three-point range. Beyond the scoring, he chipped in 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal across 37 minutes, proving his worth on both ends of the court. His first-half dominance set the tone, as he erupted for 23 points on a flawless 8-of-8 shooting, helping Miami build a staggering 71-47 lead by halftime.
From slashing to the rim to draining mid-range jumpers and timely triples, Herro’s three-level scoring arsenal left the Bulls’ defense dazed and confused.
The game unfolded as a showcase of Miami’s early control and resilience. The Heat stormed out to a 39-28 lead after the first quarter, with Herro’s 16 points on perfect shooting igniting the crowd. By the break, contributions from Andrew Wiggins (20 points, 9 rebounds) and Bam Adebayo (15 points, 12 rebounds) had widened the gap.
The Bulls mounted a third-quarter rally, slicing the deficit to 13, but Herro’s fourth-quarter heroics—coupled with Miami’s lockdown defense—slammed the door shut. Holding Chicago to a season-low 90 points, the Heat showcased their grit, with Herro’s playmaking and tenacity shining brightest in crunch time.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra couldn’t hide his admiration, saying, “Tyler was unstoppable tonight. He made big plays on both ends and showed why he’s a cornerstone for us.” Herro, brimming with confidence post-game, added, “We’re excited for this challenge. We dropped those 10 games, and our path became more clear. We haven’t let go of the rope.” His words reflect a player thriving under pressure, a trait that’s defined his rise to stardom.
For Chicago, the loss spelled the end of a rollercoaster season. Despite a late surge—going 15-6 since March 6—the Bulls faltered, shooting a dismal 27.0% from three. Josh Giddey led the charge with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, but it wasn’t enough to counter Herro’s brilliance. This defeat marks the third straight year Miami has ousted Chicago in the Play-In, adding salt to the wound.
Herro’s night wasn’t a fluke—it’s the latest chapter in his ascent. Averaging 23.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists this season, the 25-year-old earned his first All-Star nod and has become Miami’s go-to guy. With a do-or-die clash against the Atlanta Hawks looming on April 18 for the No. 8 seed, Herro’s poised to carry this momentum forward.
