Heat Move Into Playoff Position With Win Over Timberwolves

The Miami Heat grabbed hold of a playoff spot with their 123-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

With this victory, Miami is now only one game under the .500 mark at 34-35. Miami has also grabbed possession of the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Depending on the result of the Milwaukee Bucks game later on Friday, Miami could even move into the seventh slot.

The turnaround for the Heat this season is nothing short of phenomenal, but the team still has plenty of work to go. All it takes is one loss and the Heat could once again be on the outside looking in. Miami has some tough games remaining in the final stretch, and will need to play some solid basketball the rest of the way.

Tyler Johnson has been a source of production for Miami all season, and he was one of the biggest reasons for the win in this one. Johnson had 15 points in the third quarter alone, his most productive quarter of the season. The guard had 23 points overall and also had two rebounds, three assists and two blocks in the win.

Hassan Whiteside had another big night himself with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Whiteside also added to his season totals in the blocks department with one more. The center also continued his fine work at the free-throw line with a 3-3 evening.

Whiteside wasn't the only player to tally a double-double in this win, as Goran Dragic also achieved the feat. Dragic had 19 points to go along with ten assists.

The news was not all good for Miami however as Dion Waiters exited early with an ankle injury. His status at this point should be considered day-to-day.