Atlanta Hawks Beat Miami Heat 116-105

Summary

The Atlanta Hawks entered Tuesday night's matchup against the Miami Heat as heavy underdogs. Not only had the Hawks struggled historically against their big brother in the Southeast Division, but their star player has been dogged by trade rumors in recent days.

However, Atlanta put the drama behind them and focused on the business at hand in the first round of the Play-In Tournament. Atlanta set the tone early, leading by as much as 24 points in the first half.

After the break, Kyle Lowry led a furious comeback with a game-high 33 points. But Atlanta was able to withstand every wave and throw a counter to every punch. The momentum never truly broke in Miami's direction.

Trae Young led Atlanta with 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and some beef for good measure. Young and the rest of the Hawks struggled from outside. Young went 1-8 (12.5%) from deep, and the team shot 24.4% from being the arc.

It was not always pretty, but Atlanta secured a much-needed win and exorcised some demons. The regular season and Play-In Tournament are now in the rearview mirror as Atlanta faces the Boston Celtics on Saturday, April 15.

Stats

Hawks Leaders 

Trae Young - 25 PTS, 8 REB

Dejounte Murray - 18 PTS, 6 AST

Saddiq Bey - 17 PTS, 6 REB

Heat Leaders

Kyle Lowry - 33 PTS, 5 AST

Tyler Herro - 26 PTS, 6 REB

Jimmy Butler - 21 PTS, 9 REB