Miami's new center turns the tide against Atlanta

The Miami Heat ended a four-game losing streak on Wednesday night by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 129-117. This marked the franchise's first victory since acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks during the offseason. The win stopped a run of losses that began immediately after the trade was finalized.

Antetokounmpo recorded 24 points and 18 rebounds in the win. Bam Adebayo matched his scoring total with 24 points and added nine rebounds. Andrew Wiggins contributed 18 points, while Pelle Larsson finished with 17 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. The team shot 53% from the field and scored 70 points in the paint.

The Hawks, who had won their first two games of the season, fell to their third straight defeat. Kingston Flemings and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each scored 23 points. Jalen Johnson finished with 12 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds while shooting 4 for 12 from the floor. Atlanta played the first game of a home back-to-back, with their Thursday contest against Cleveland delayed by one hour to accommodate WNBA Finals Game 6 at State Farm Arena.

Miami controlled the game from the opening minutes. The Heat shot 15 of 23 in the first quarter to build a 34-25 lead. They held a 69-56 advantage at halftime. Tim Hardaway Jr. hit a three-pointer late in the third quarter to extend the margin to its largest, 95-77. Hardaway finished with 14 points off the bench.

The Heat will host the Indiana Pacers on Friday. The Hawks remain in Atlanta to play the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.