The Atlanta Hawks mounted a fourth-quarter rally but could not overcome Miami’s interior production, falling to the Heat 129–117 on Wednesday despite a career-high 23 points from rookie Kingston Flemings.
Flemings added five rebounds and five assists, providing a spark off the bench as Atlanta attempted to climb back into the game. Lu Dort also knocked down a pair of fourth-quarter three-pointers, helping the Hawks trim the deficit to five. Miami ultimately closed out the victory by continuing to attack
the basket and get to the free-throw line.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo combined for 48 points and 27 rebounds, anchoring an interior advantage Atlanta struggled to counter throughout the night.
The Hawks opened with little offensive rhythm. Their perimeter shots were not falling, and disjointed possessions made it difficult to establish a consistent attack. At the other end, Miami repeatedly found opportunities near the basket. Adebayo scored nine first-quarter points as the Heat shot 65 percent from the field in the period.
Atlanta’s bench helped change the offensive flow in the second quarter. Aaron Wiggins and Flemings supplied a lift, helping the Hawks cut the deficit to two points.
However, that progress was undermined by turnovers and defensive breakdowns. Miami found open looks beyond the arc and continued getting to the rim, while Atlanta struggled to draw Antetokounmpo and Adebayo away from the paint. The Hawks also had trouble on the boards at both ends, adding to the challenge of sustaining their comeback.
Atlanta entered halftime trailing by 13.
The Hawks showed more aggression on both ends to begin the third quarter, trimming eight points off the deficit. That momentum proved short-lived as fouls interrupted their progress and sent Miami to the line.
The fourth quarter brought another push, with Flemings’ offensive production and Dort’s perimeter shooting giving Atlanta a chance. The rookie’s performance was a bright spot, providing scoring and playmaking off the bench when the Hawks needed both.
Still, Atlanta could not consistently keep Miami out of the paint. The same problems that hurt the Hawks early resurfaced down the stretch, with the Heat generating opportunities inside and at the foul line to prevent the rally from becoming a comeback victory.
The Hawks return home Thursday to face the Cleveland Cavaliers at 8 p.m. ET.
