Miami Heat victory finally arrived as the team snapped a season opening four game losing streak with a 129 to 117 road win at the Atlanta Hawks, according to the NBA’s official box score.
The Heat hauled down the game on interior play, led by offseason blockbuster signing Giannis Antetokounmpo and All Star center Bam Adebayo. According to the NBA box score, Antetokounmpo scored 24 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, and Adebayo added 24 points and nine rebounds.
Miami Heat victory built on paint dominance
The two teams traded shots from the opening quarter, but Miami asserted itself near the rim. The Heat scorched the paint for 70 points and shot 53.1 percent for the game, according to official statistics, numbers that proved decisive against Atlanta’s balanced attack.
Atlanta received big scoring nights from Nickeil Alexander Walker and Kingston Flemings, each listed with 23 points in the official box score. Forward Jalen Johnson posted a near triple double with 12 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, giving the Hawks multiple looks inside and out.
Bench spark and lineup balance seal Miami Heat victory
Role players stepped up for Miami. Andrew Wiggins contributed 18 points off the wing, while reserve Pelle Larsson emerged as a key spark, finishing with 17 points, eight assists, and six rebounds off the bench.
The win gave coach and players a much needed respite from early season scrutiny and signaled that the newly formed Miami trio is starting to find chemistry. The Heat declared the victory an important step after the difficult start to the season.
Miami’s team record book also took note of a milestone: Adebayo moved past Udonis Haslem to become the franchise leader in defensive rebounds, the Heat said.
