Jacari McRae | February 21st, 2020
The goal coming out of the All-star break was to play better on the road. That didn’t start off well with the Miami Heat losing to the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday. Unable to stop Trae Young, the Heat fell to the Hawks 129-124. The loss puts the Heat road record to 13-17 for the season. If Miami wants to make noise in the playoffs, they have to find a way to play better on the road.
Here are my takeaways from Thursday’s loss to Atlanta.
New lineup
For the fourth time in the past six games, Miami changed it’s starting lineup. This time it was Jae Crowder starting in place of Derrick Jones Jr, who was the starting before the all-star break. Crowder’s run with the starters ended early with the forward picking up two early fouls. And with Jones suffering a bruised shin, the Heat had to go 10-deep in the game’s first ten minutes.
Because of the foul trouble and injuries, the Heat didn’t have a chance to build continuity.
Bam’s huge night
If there were any questions about Bam Adebayo‘s All-star status, he put that to rest with a huge first half. By halftime, Adebayo had eight points, nine rebounds, and six assists. On the defensive end, he took on all switches, including guarding Trae Young on the perimeter. He took on more of a scoring load in the second half, scoring 20 points.
Look at the skills CHAMP go
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 21, 2020
: @Bam1of1 pic.twitter.com/exOvCXLIaM
By the end of the night, Adebayo had 28 points, a career-high 19 rebounds, and seven assists.
Trae Young
The Heat had no answer for the Hawks all-star point guard. The Hawks star was pulling up from everywhere on the floor. He even knocked down a three-pointer from the logo. Young scored 50 points on 12 of 25 shooting from the field and made eight of his 15 threes.
Young is the tenth opposing player to score 50 against the Heat in franchise history.
Next up: Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. Game tips off at 8PMET.
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