ATLANTA, GA | October 28, 2026
The Miami Heat finally entered the win column Wednesday night, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 129–117 at State Farm Arena to improve to 1–4. Atlanta dropped to 2–3 after suffering its third consecutive loss.
After opening the season with four straight defeats, Miami delivered its most convincing offensive performance of the young season, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Miami Controls the Interior
Antetokounmpo finished with 24 points, 18 rebounds and three assists, shooting 11-of-18 from the field. Adebayo matched his 24 points while adding nine rebounds and three steals.
Together, Miami's frontcourt stars combined for **48 points and 27 rebounds, establishing a physical advantage Atlanta struggled to overcome.
The Heat dominated the paint, outscoring the Hawks 70–52 while winning the rebounding battle 52–40.
Miami also shot 53% from the field and distributed 36 assists, demonstrating effective ball movement.
Andrew Wiggins contributed 18 points, Pelle Larsson added 17 points and eight assists, and Davion Mitchell recorded 10 points and 10 assists.
Hawks Unable to Overcome Early Deficit
Miami jumped ahead 34–25 after the opening quarter and carried a 69–56 advantage into halftime.
Atlanta attempted a late comeback after falling behind by as many as 18 points.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and rookie Kingston Flemings scored 23 points apiece. Flemings was particularly efficient, shooting 9-of-12 from the field.
Jalen Johnson contributed 12 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists, but struggled offensively, shooting just 4-of-12.
Despite shooting 42% from three-point range, Atlanta couldn't overcome Miami's interior advantage.
Adebayo Makes Franchise History
The victory also featured a significant milestone for Adebayo, who surpassed Udonis Haslem to become the Miami Heat's all-time leading rebounder.
It was another achievement for the longtime Miami standout, whose performance helped secure the franchise's first victory of the season.
S³ Final Analysis
Miami's 0–4 start raised questions about how quickly its revamped roster could establish chemistry.
Against Atlanta, the Heat demonstrated the potential of their Giannis-Adebayo frontcourt, combining physicality, efficient scoring and rebounding dominance.
But one victory doesn't erase four losses.
For Miami, the challenge is establishing consistency. For Atlanta, the immediate concern is its interior defense and inability to prevent opponents from controlling the paint.
S³ Verdict: Miami won this game through execution, physical superiority and offensive balance. The Heat finally looked like a team capable of using its roster advantages to dictate how the game is played.
Final: Miami Heat 129, Atlanta Hawks 117
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