The Hawks debuted its new sky blue courts during a game against the Heat on Nov. 11. (Clement Lee/ Sports Editor)
The Atlanta Hawks faced off against last year’s NBA finals runner-up Miami Heat on Nov. 11 after their long road game stretch. The night marked the Hawks’ first matchup since the 2023 play-in tournament where they beat the Heat 116-105. The Hawks debuted the Nike NBA Fly City Edition jerseys and the corresponding court, replacing the traditional black and red court with a light blue color and transparent Hawks logos.
Heading into the game, the Hawks appeared to be the favorites because Miami was missing forward Jimmy Butler due to personal issues and guard Tyler Herro for an ankle sprain he sustained on Nov. 8 against the Memphis Grizzlies. However, the Hawks did not capitalize on these absences and began the first quarter cold, converting only nine field goals out of 24 attempts. The Hawks trailed after the first quarter 41-24, missing several crucial shots to reduce Miami’s lead.
Atlanta managed to shorten the lead to 11 points toward the end of the first half with two made free throws from guard Trae Young and pull up threes from forward Jalen Johnson and guard Dejounte Murray. Despite the Hawks’ improvement on defense and nine turnovers, Miami forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 10 points in the second quarter, and the Heat ended the first half with a 63-52 lead.
Hawks head coach Quin Snyder took note of the Hawks’ poor performance in the first quarter.
“After the first quarter, we were solid defensively, but you can’t take away the first quarter,” Snyder said. “We do have a group that competes, and it showed by the way it was a two possession game at one point.”
The third quarter was no different for the Hawks. Atlanta shot 47.8 % from the field and 40% from three, and Murray and forward Wesley Matthews both converted two three-pointers. However, the Heat answered with an efficient scoring barrage, shooting 57.9% from the field and 66.7% from three to maintain the lead.
In the fourth quarter, the Hawks tried to claw their way back into the contest. Forward Bogdan Bogdanovic tallied three three-pointers from four attempts, and Young scored 14 points. However, the Heat were able to maintain the lead with center Bam Adebayo scoring eight points.
Despite missing several key players, Miami won 117-109. Young finished with 27 points and 11 assists, while Murray had 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. On the Heat’s side, Adebayo had 26 points and 17 rebounds, while rookie Jaquez had 20 points.
Snyder said that the Hawks’ 21 turnovers resulted from the team not capitalizing on “open looks,” which forced them to drive more to the lane.
Young emphasized getting quicker shots in the future.
“You just gotta shoot the ball,” Young said. “[Miami] just makes you think you have a driving lane and then another guy’s over there helping. If you’re not ready to shoot threes against this team, you’re gonna have a tough night.”
Clement Lee (he/him) (24Ox) is from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and is on the pre-BBA track. Outside the Wheel, Clement can be found reading new books or going on long runs in the woods.
