All-Star forward Jalen Johnson delivered 29 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 127-115 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday at Kaseya Center. The win snapped a two-game slide for Atlanta and strengthened its position in the Eastern Conference play-in race at 25-27.
Atlanta controlled the game through balanced scoring and perimeter efficiency, building momentum early and never surrendering the lead after the opening quarter. The Hawks finished with a 63-24 advantage in points from three-point range, a margin that shaped the outcome despite Miami’s rebounding edge.
CJ McCollum provided a major lift off the bench with 26 points, shooting 6-for-9 from deep and helping the second unit extend runs. The veteran guard was part of a reserve group that outscored Miami’s bench 68-45, creating separation whenever the starters rested.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 19 points and seven assists, while Atlanta’s offense produced 21 made three-pointers on 42 percent shooting. The visitors shot 49 percent overall and maintained pace by spacing the floor and moving the ball through Johnson’s playmaking at the top of the offense.
The Hawks took control midway through the first quarter and pushed the margin to 21 points in the second period. Miami cut the deficit to 11 briefly, but Atlanta rebuilt a 17-point halftime lead by limiting turnovers and converting transition opportunities.
Johnson’s versatility stood out, as he facilitated offense in half-court sets while also finishing inside. His ability to initiate from the forward spot allowed Atlanta to generate clean looks without relying heavily on traditional point-guard play.
The Heat entered the night celebrating the 20th anniversary of their 2006 championship, with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal among those in attendance courtside. Miami, currently seventh in the East at 27-25, struggled to match Atlanta’s perimeter scoring despite solid interior production.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. led the home team with 21 points, while Pelle Larsson and Simone Fontecchio each added 18. Bam Adebayo recorded 16 points and 14 rebounds, but the Heat shot only 25 percent from three-point range and could not sustain momentum during key stretches.
Miami briefly trimmed the deficit to five early in the third quarter, yet McCollum’s late three-pointer restored a 17-point cushion heading into the fourth. Atlanta’s defensive rotations limited open perimeter looks afterward, allowing the visitors to close the game without significant pressure.
Atlanta hosts Utah next, while Miami travels to Boston on Friday night.
