After dropping three straight, the Miami Heat got back on track Friday night with a convincing 126-111 win over the Atlanta Hawks - and they did it with a mix of grit, pace, and some timely returns to the lineup.
The headline? Pelle Larsson looked like he never left.
After missing four games with a high ankle sprain, the rookie guard came back firing on all cylinders. He dropped 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-4 from deep, and chipped in six rebounds, five assists, and a steal.
It wasn’t just the numbers - it was the way he played. Confident, in control, and always in the right spot.
For a team that’s been searching for consistency, Larsson’s return brought a noticeable spark.
But it was Norman Powell who carried the scoring load. The veteran guard poured in a team-high 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting, and he didn’t stop there - he added seven boards, five assists, two steals, and a block in 33 minutes.
Powell’s been a steady hand for Miami this season, and this was one of those games where his experience and versatility stood out. Whether he was slashing to the rim, pulling up from mid-range, or making the extra pass, Powell was everywhere.
With Bam Adebayo sidelined due to a back issue, the Heat leaned on rookie big man Kel’el Ware - and once again, he delivered. Ware notched his 13th double-double of the season, finishing with 16 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 7-of-10 from the field. He’s been quietly putting together a strong campaign, and his ability to hold down the paint in Bam’s absence has been crucial.
Where Miami really separated themselves was in the second and fourth quarters. That’s where they turned up the tempo, outscoring Atlanta 67-45 in those two frames.
The Heat pushed the pace, moved the ball with purpose, and found open looks by attacking off the dribble. It wasn’t just about making shots - it was about creating the right ones.
The offense flowed, and the Hawks couldn’t keep up.
Overall, Miami shot 47.1 percent from the field and went 11-of-36 from three (30.6%). Atlanta matched that 47.1% clip but hit one more triple (12-of-36).
The difference? Miami dominated the possession battle.
They were plus-10 on the glass and ended up with 19 more shot attempts - a product of effort, hustle, and second-chance opportunities.
Even with some inefficient shooting nights, the Heat bench made its presence felt. Jaime Jaquez Jr. brought his usual energy, scoring 16 points with five rebounds and three steals.
Nikola Jovic, returning from an elbow injury, added 10 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. It was a solid showing from a second unit that’s been asked to do a lot lately.
On the other side, Atlanta got a strong showing from Jalen Johnson, who flirted with a triple-double (24 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists), and Trae Young, who dropped 30 on 8-of-16 shooting. But it wasn’t enough. The Hawks couldn’t match Miami’s pace or physicality down the stretch.
Now, the Heat don’t have much time to celebrate. They’re back at it Saturday night for the second leg of a back-to-back against the Indiana Pacers - a team that’s been trending in the wrong direction. With momentum finally swinging their way, Miami will look to keep the good vibes rolling.