The Atlanta Hawks capped off their four-game homestand with a commanding 120-110 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday night. Riding the hot hand of Jalen Johnson, who scored 28 points, Atlanta notched its third straight win while sending Miami to its fourth consecutive loss without star forward Jimmy Butler.
Jalen Johnson continued his offensive surge, finishing just two points shy of his career-high 30 points, which he set in the Hawks’ previous game against the Chicago Bulls. Johnson’s consistent scoring has been a key factor in Atlanta’s recent success.
Trae Young, the engine of Atlanta’s offense, tallied his 22nd double-double of the season with 11 points and 15 assists. He fell just one assist short of tying Mookie Blaylock’s franchise record for single-game assists against Miami, set in 1993.
De’Andre Hunter added significant firepower off the bench, scoring 26 points—his 14th consecutive game with at least 15 points. His scoring punch gave the Hawks a reliable boost when they needed it most.
Even with five players scoring in double digits, the Miami Heat couldn’t keep pace with Atlanta. Tyler Herro led the way for Miami with 28 points and 10 assists, while Bam Adebayo chipped in with 17 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Heat struggled to match Atlanta’s efficiency, shooting 44.4% from the field compared to the Hawks’ 51.2%.
Miami continues to feel the absence of Jimmy Butler, who missed his fourth straight game for what the team described as “return to competition reconditioning.” Without their star, the Heat couldn’t find a way to overcome Atlanta’s firepower.
The game remained close through the first half, with nine lead changes. However, Atlanta seized control midway through the third quarter. Back-to-back 3-pointers from Garrison Mathews and De’Andre Hunter gave the Hawks their largest lead of the night at 81-72, forcing a Miami timeout. From that point, Atlanta never looked back.
Miami’s balanced scoring wasn’t enough to make up for their defensive lapses. The Heat must find ways to generate stops, especially as they await Butler’s return.
Jalen Johnson is proving to be a consistent offensive weapon for Atlanta, while De’Andre Hunter’s contributions off the bench add critical depth. The Hawks’ shooting efficiency continues to be a driving force behind their recent success.
The Hawks embark on a six-game road trip starting in Toronto on Sunday, while the Heat travel to Houston to face the Rockets. Both teams will look to maintain momentum as the season progresses.
