Bucks clinch playoff berth as West battle tightens

The Bucks had been assured of their ninth consecutive playoff appearance following the Atlanta Hawks' 121-105 defeat to the New York Knicks earlier in the day. The loss meant the Hawks could no longer mathematically force their way into the playoff spots and will now have to enter the four-team play-in tournament which will determine the final two postseason berths from the East. That took the pressure off the Bucks in their road game against Miami, but they nevertheless produced a gritty performance to take down the Heat in overtime.