The Atlanta Hawks outscored Miami 33-21 over the final 12 minutes of the game to hand the Heat their first loss of the season 100-92. Tracy McGrady hit three three-point baskets in the third quarter to help seal the victory for Atlanta.
The Hawks used a zone defense to help slow the pace down and held the Heat to just 10 fast-break points on the night. The zone also had Miami settling for long-distance jump shots which also played into Atlanta's hands.
However, it was key minutes from the Hawks reserves that gave them a chance to win the game. Atlanta's second unit found itself on the floor together at the beginning of the fourth quarter and helped ignite a 15-3 Hawks run.
Joe Johnson ended up leading Atlanta with 21 points on 8-16 from the field. Johnson finished with five rebounds and hit 3-5 from beyond-the-arc. Tracy McGrady finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 26 minutes of action. McGrady hit all three of his three-point attempts. Al Horford did the work inside tonight and finished with 16 points and nine rebounds. Jeff Teague scored 13 of his 15 points in the first half but it was his aggressiveness that set the tone for the game.
Miami was led by LeBron James who finished with a game-high 28 points. James also added seven boards and six assists. Chris Bosh scored 19 points but finished 8-18 from the field and took a lot of long jumpers through the middle part of this game. Dwyane Wade struggled throughout the second half finishing with 12 points on just 4-17 shooting.
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