PHOTO BY AL DIAZ
The Miami Heat ended their four-game losing streak Wednesday night with a 129-117 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, earning their first win of the season behind strong performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Antetokounmpo recorded 24 points and 18 rebounds in his first victory with Miami since arriving from Milwaukee during the offseason. Adebayo also scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds, becoming the Heat’s all-time leading rebounder in the process.
Andrew Wiggins added 18 points, while Pelle Larsson contributed 17 points and eight assists off the bench as Miami improved to 1-4.
The Heat established control early, shooting 53% from the field and scoring 70 points in the paint. They led 34-25 after the first quarter and carried a 69-56 advantage into halftime.
Miami extended its lead to 18 points in the third quarter before Atlanta mounted a late comeback. The Hawks cut the deficit to four points in the fourth, but the Heat responded with a decisive run to secure the victory.
Coach Erik Spoelstra praised his players for maintaining their composure through the difficult start.
“We’ve been able to handle some adversity appropriately,” Spoelstra said. “Nobody was hanging their heads when they came in the next day. We were all frustrated to the start of the season.”
Antetokounmpo Helps Miami Find Its Rhythm
Antetokounmpo delivered another productive performance after opening his Miami career with four consecutive losses. His 24 points and 18 rebounds helped the Heat control the paint and generate better offensive opportunities.
The two-time NBA MVP also reached 1,000 career steals during the game, adding another milestone to his growing list of accomplishments.
Miami’s offensive approach also showed improvement. The Heat increased their use of pick-and-roll plays, helping Antetokounmpo and Adebayo find better opportunities around the basket.
Miami finished with 26 field goals on 43 attempts at the rim and held a 70-52 advantage in points in the paint. The team also forced 15 turnovers, converting them into 13 points.
The victory provided an encouraging response after Miami’s offense struggled during its opening four games. Antetokounmpo emphasized the importance of the team’s defensive effort in creating easier scoring opportunities.
“When we play defense, when we guard our own man, when we focus on that, our offense becomes a lot easier,” Antetokounmpo said.
Adebayo Becomes Miami’s All-Time Rebounding Leader
Wednesday’s victory also marked a significant moment in Adebayo’s Heat career. His seventh rebound of the game moved him past Udonis Haslem to become Miami’s all-time leader in career rebounds.
Haslem finished his 20-season career with 5,791 rebounds, all with the Heat. Adebayo surpassed that mark, reaching 5,794 career rebounds.
Adebayo described the achievement as difficult to put into words, particularly because of his close relationship with Haslem, who served as a mentor during their time together in Miami.
“The person I’m passing has been so close to me throughout my 10 years in this career, from the time I walked in until now,” Adebayo said.
Spoelstra also praised Adebayo’s work ethic and determination, highlighting the significance of breaking a record held by a player who helped define the franchise for two decades.
The milestone came during a strong offensive performance for Adebayo, who had struggled with his shooting through Miami’s first four games. He finished Wednesday’s contest with 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting, adding nine rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Heat Look to Build on First Victory
Miami received valuable contributions from its supporting cast, with Larsson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bobby Portis Jr. providing important scoring off the bench.
Larsson finished with 17 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while Hardaway scored 14 points. Portis added 11 points and nine rebounds as seven Heat players reached double figures.
The balanced performance reflected the collective approach Spoelstra has encouraged since training camp. Miami will look to maintain that momentum as it continues its early-season schedule.
Although one victory does not resolve the team’s opening struggles, the performance offered encouraging signs of how Antetokounmpo and Adebayo can lead the offense while Miami improves its defensive consistency.
The Heat will aim to carry that momentum into their next game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday.
