All-Star Jalen Johnson delivered a triple-double with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, and CJ McCollum scored 26 points off the bench as the Atlanta Hawks beat the Miami Heat 127-115 on Tuesday night, snapping a two-game skid.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 19 points for Atlanta, which took control early and never let Miami’s momentum last. The Hawks seized the lead for good midway through the first quarter and repeatedly answered Heat rallies with timely scoring runs.
The night came during Miami’s celebration of the 20th anniversary of its 2006 NBA championship, with Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal and several members of that title team in attendance. The Hawks, however, spoiled the festivities by building a 21-point advantage in the second quarter. Miami briefly cut the margin to 11, but Atlanta pushed it back to 17 by halftime.
The pattern continued after the break. The Heat trimmed a 17-point deficit to five less than five minutes into the third quarter, only to see Atlanta respond again. McCollum capped the period with a 3-pointer to restore a 17-point lead heading into the fourth.
Atlanta’s depth and shooting proved decisive, as the Hawks outscored Miami 63-24 from beyond the arc and held a 68-45 advantage in bench points.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. led the Heat with 21 points. Pelle Larsson and Simone Fontecchio each scored 18, while Bam Adebayo finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Up next:
Both teams wrapped up their schedules ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. Atlanta hosts Utah on Thursday night, while Miami travels to Boston on Friday.
