Miami Heat Punch Ticket to Eastern Semis with Game 7 Thriller over Knicks

MIAMI — The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series, securing their spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals. This win mirrors the Heat's dramatic 2023 playoff series victory over the Knicks, also in the semifinals, where Miami prevailed in six games after close contests including a 96-92 Game 1 win on May 12, 2023.[2] Historical head-to-head data shows Miami holding a 51-31 edge over 82 games since 2005, with the Heat averaging 101.7 points per game.[1] The rivalry, one of the NBA's fiercest, dates back to intense late-1990s playoff clashes, including four straight series from 1997-2000 and a razor-thin 83-82 Knicks Game 7 win in 2000.[4][5] Miami's latest triumph builds on that legacy, with the Heat rallying from deficits as in past thrillers, like Tim Hardaway's late 3-pointer for an 82-81 lead before a narrow defeat years ago.[4] South Florida's basketball faithful, from Miami-Dade to Broward County, packed sports bars and streets, channeling the same energy that fueled the 2012-13 championship runs. Key to Miami's success has been their playoff grit at Kaseya Center, where the home crowd's roar often tips tight games. Against the Knicks, Miami's 52% against-the-spread win rate in head-to-heads underscores their edge.[1] As the Heat prepare for the next round, this advancement keeps South Florida's NBA dreams alive amid a competitive Eastern Conference.