Giannis and Adebayo power Miami past Atlanta for first win of the season

Miami have their first win of the season. The Heat beat Atlanta 129–117 at State Farm Arena on Wednesday, 28 October, powered by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. The two big men scored 24 points each, with the former adding 18 rebounds and the latter nine.

After losing their opening four games, Miami found answers close to the basket. Adebayo went at Onyeka Okongwu in the post, then drives and offensive rebounds kept up the pressure. The Heat scored 70 points in the paint and shot 53.1% from the field.

Miami build their lead, Atlanta keep fighting

The visitors took control from the first quarter, which they won 34–25, and went into the locker room leading 69–56. Andrew Wiggins balanced their attack with four three-pointers from seven attempts, finishing with 18 points. A long-range shot from Tim Hardaway Jr. stretched the lead to eighteen points in the third quarter.

Atlanta never gave up, though. Rookie Kingston Flemings, who scored 23 points on nine-of-twelve shooting, set the tempo for the Hawks' comeback. Nickeil Alexander-Walker also scored 23 points, including five three-pointers. The Florida side's lead shrank to four points in the final quarter, forcing Miami to respond.

Mitchell and Larsson step up

Davion Mitchell then found openings to the rim, before a steal led to a basket for Pelle Larsson. Antetokounmpo carried that effort on in the paint to put the visitors back out of reach. Mitchell finishes with 10 points and 10 assists; Larsson adds 17 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Hardaway contributes 14 points off the bench.

Adebayo also passed Udonis Haslem to become the Heat's all-time leading rebounder. Miami move to 1–4, while Atlanta, at 2–3, suffer their third straight defeat. The Heat host Indiana on Friday and the Hawks face Cleveland as early as Thursday.