Final score: Atlanta Hawks 117, Miami Heat 129

The Miami Heat produced a strong second-half performance to beat the Atlanta Hawks 129-117 on October 29, 2026, using a decisive third-quarter run and a balanced offensive attack to pull away on the road. Miami improved its early-season form with a win that showcased both its depth and its ability to close games against a dangerous Eastern Conference opponent.

Game Flow

Atlanta started brightly, pushing the pace and getting early production from Trae Young and Jalen Johnson. The Hawks led by as many as eight in the first quarter, but Miami answered with a flurry of three-pointers and transition baskets to take a 34-27 lead after one. The second quarter belonged to Atlanta, which trimmed the deficit behind Young’s shot-making and a stronger effort on the offensive glass, sending the teams into halftime with Miami ahead 64-62.

• First quarter: Miami 34-27
• Second quarter: Atlanta 35-30 (halftime 64-62 Miami)
• Third quarter: Miami 33-28 (97-90 Miami)
• Fourth quarter: Miami 32-27

Key Moments

The turning point came midway through the third quarter. With Atlanta within two points, Miami unleashed a 14-4 run over a four-minute stretch, capped by back-to-back corner threes from Tyler Herro and a transition dunk from Bam Adebayo. The Hawks briefly cut the lead to 101-99 early in the fourth, but Miami responded with an 11-2 burst that pushed the advantage back into double digits. Atlanta never recovered, and Miami iced the game at the free-throw line.

Standout Players

Herro led Miami with 29 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Adebayo added 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in a dominant two-way performance. Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed 18 points off the bench, and Miami’s reserves outscored Atlanta’s bench 34-21. For the Hawks, Young finished with 31 points and 11 assists, Johnson had 23 points and nine rebounds, and Zaccharie Risacher chipped in 18 points.

Tactical Story

Miami’s zone defense caused problems for Atlanta in the second half, slowing the Hawks’ pick-and-roll attack and forcing 19 turnovers. The Heat also controlled the defensive glass, limiting Atlanta’s second-chance opportunities after halftime. Offensively, Miami moved the ball well, finishing with 31 assists and generating open looks from beyond the arc. Atlanta shot well from three for much of the night but struggled to contain Miami’s dribble penetration in the middle quarters.

Season Impact

The road win is a meaningful early statement for Miami, reinforcing its depth and defensive versatility. For Atlanta, the loss is a reminder that its high-powered offense must be matched by more consistent stops, especially against teams that can punish turnovers. Both teams will look to build momentum as the NBA schedule begins to tighten.