The Miami Heat never trailed Friday night, cruising past the Atlanta Hawks 128-97 behind the return of Tyler Herro.
Playing for the first time in 15 games due to a rib injury, Herro scored 24 points in his 12th appearance of the season. Wearing a protective flak jacket, he came off the bench and showed no signs of rust, pouring in 16 first-half points to help Miami seize early control.
Bam Adebayo added 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Norman Powell contributed 15 points in his first game since making his All-Star debut. Rookie Kel'el Ware recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds as the Heat won their sixth road game in the last seven.
Atlanta was led by Jalen Johnson, who posted 16 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists for his 11th triple-double of the season — a franchise single-season record and the most in the Eastern Conference this year. Onyeka Okongwu paced the Hawks with 22 points, and CJ McCollum scored 20 off the bench, knocking down four 3-pointers.
Miami set the tone early and never allowed Atlanta to mount a serious push, building a commanding lead by halftime and extending it throughout the second half.
Up next:
The Heat return home to host Memphis on Saturday, while the Hawks welcome Brooklyn on Sunday.
