The Atlanta Hawks entered Saturday evening just half of a game behind the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference standings, with a chance to pass them with a win. That did not happen however as the Heat took the 117-109 win behind a big night from star center Bam Adebayo.
The Hawks’ offensive attack, particularly in the backcourt, was slowed by Miami’s defense as Trae Young scored a season-low eight points. He and Dejounte Murray combined for just seven points in the first half as Atlanta saw themselves down 66-49 at the break. The game was essentially decided in the second quarter in a way as the Heat blasted the Hawks 37-23 and built a lead they would hold for the rest of the game despite Atlanta’s comeback efforts.