The Atlanta Hawks showcased offensive efficiency and defensive composure in their 120-110 victory over the Miami Heat, marking their third consecutive win. Fueled by standout performances from Jalen Johnson, Trae Young, and De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta improved their record and continued to display their depth and teamwork.
The game opened with both teams emphasizing fast-break opportunities and interior scoring. Trae Young orchestrated the Hawks’ offense, while Jalen Johnson and Larry Nance Jr. capitalized on paint dominance. Miami countered with Bam Adebayo’s defensive presence. At the end of the first quarter, Atlanta led 35-28, bolstered by Jalen Johnson’s layups and De’Andre Hunter’s timely three-pointer. Bam Adebayo’s defensive plays kept Miami within striking distance, and a review of Larry Nance Jr.’s layup at the buzzer added intensity to the quarter.
By halftime, the Hawks held a narrow 61-58 lead after a back-and-forth second quarter. Jalen Johnson continued his dominance in the paint, combining strong offense with key defensive stops, while Trae Young racked up assists despite struggles from beyond the arc. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Duncan Robinson led Miami’s counterattack but missed late opportunities to close the gap. Atlanta capitalized on turnovers for fast-break points, maintaining their edge going into the second half.
In the third quarter, Atlanta extended their lead to 93-84, overcoming Miami’s efforts to reclaim momentum. Trae Young made critical plays, including a deep three-pointer and defensive rebounds. De’Andre Hunter shone with clutch free throws and mid-range jumpers, while Jalen Johnson contributed timely defensive rebounds and assists. Tyler Herro kept Miami competitive with points in the paint and a clutch three-pointer, but Atlanta’s ability to force turnovers and convert them into points proved decisive.
The Hawks sealed the game in the fourth quarter with a balanced offensive and defensive effort. Trae Young dominated late, drawing fouls and sinking free throws to maintain the lead, while Jalen Johnson’s defensive rebounds and a clutch three-pointer stifled Miami’s comeback attempts. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro made valiant efforts but faltered in critical moments, and Atlanta’s team defense forced key missed shots.
Jalen finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, continuing his stellar stretch of games and moving closer to franchise history with his 11th career outing of at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. De’Andre Hunter delivered 26 points off the bench, extending his streak of 15+ points in 14 straight games, the longest such streak by a reserve in franchise history. Trae Young controlled the pace with 15 assists and clutch free throws, extending his streak of five+ assists to 191 games, the third-longest in NBA history.
Atlanta’s 34 assists marked their 29th game with 25+ assists this season, tied for the most in the NBA. The Hawks’ bench outscored Miami’s reserves 59-27, continuing their dominance as one of the league’s top-scoring second units. With three straight wins, the Hawks are averaging 126 points per game on .518 FG% and .424 3FG%, solidifying themselves as an offensive powerhouse and a rising contender in the Eastern Conference.
Looking Ahead: The Hawks will aim to extend their winning streak when they face the Toronto Raptors on Monday, Dec. 30, in Toronto.
