Haywood Highsmith says the Miami Heat "fought to get into the playoffs" and are not "going to go out soft" now that they are there.

The Heat regrouped after losing an early lead to beat the Atlanta Hawks 123-114 after overtime on Friday, making NBA Play-In Tournament history in the process.

Miami became the first No. 10 seed in either conference to make the playoffs since the current play-in format was launched in 2020-21, and are also the first to advance with two road wins.

They will play at Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday in the opening game of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Tyler Herro led the charge, scoring 30 points while also sinking two 3-pointers in overtime, with Andrew Wiggins getting 20 and Bam Adebayo adding 17.

Highsmith said Miami are full of confidence ahead of their meeting with the top-seeded Cavs.

"We did it the hard way. We're battle-tested," said Highsmith, who had 12 points and 10 rebounds. "We can go anywhere and beat anybody.

"We fought to get into the playoffs. Now that we're in, we're not going to go out soft."

First 10-seed to make it to the playoffs

Don't ya just love us, #HEATNation?  pic.twitter.com/e9ykjEka5c

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 19, 2025

Miami started strong, scoring the first 10 points and, at one stage, held a 17-point lead in the second period.

The Heat led by 10 less than three minutes into the game. They also led by 10 less than four minutes into their play-in game against the Chicago Bulls.

The Hawks, led by Trae Young's 29 points, tied the score at 88 before taking their first lead with 7:36 remaining, but Miami came back.

Davion Mitchell missed each of his first four shots in the first half but added three 3-pointers in overtime to match his career-high for any quarter, and coach Erik Spoelstra hailed his determination to keep going after a tough start.

"For him to struggle like that in the first half and have that kind of fourth quarter and overtime really speaks to his character," he said.

Asked about his performance, Mitchell noted the support of Spoelstra and his team-mates gave him the confidence to keep going.

"I feel I was forcing it in the first half, trying to do too much," Mitchell said.

"I just kind of reset in my mind ... and let the game come to me. ... I just believe in the work I've put in. Even if I'm missing shots, it's OK."