Augmented by masterful defensive execution coupled with red-hot 3-point shooting, the Miami Heat crushed the Atlanta Hawks 115-91 in their opening game of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Sunday at FTX Arena.
While it took a while for the Heat offense to click, their defense was outstanding for all 48 minutes. Miami held Atlanta to 38.7 percent shooting and 27.8 percent from beyond the arc, forcing 18 turnovers to just 16 Hawks assists while accumulating 12 steals.
Miami made it miserable for All-Star guard Trae Young all afternoon; Young had arguably the worst performance of his NBA career, holding him to a season-low eight points on 1-of-12 shooting and 0-of-7 from deep with six turnovers.