The Miami Heat dominated the Atlanta Hawks in the second half, securing a 143-117 victory and tuning up for the play-in tournament. The Heat's star, Jaime Jaquez Jr., led the way with 26 points, while Bam Adebayo and Norman Powell each contributed 25 points. The Hawks, despite a strong start, couldn't keep up with the Heat's momentum, and their playoff hopes took a hit. With a team-record 9,911 points, the Heat ended the season on a high note, while the Hawks finished with a record of 46-36, their best since 2015-16. The Hawks' playoff spot was secured, but they faced a challenging road ahead, needing to win two play-in games to secure their spot in the postseason. The Heat, on the other hand, will need to win two road play-in games to make the playoffs, a feat they pulled off as the No. 10 seed last season. The game was a showcase of the Heat's depth and talent, with Kel'el Ware adding 16 points and Buddy Hield contributing a game-high 31 points off the bench for the Hawks. The Hawks' coach, Quin Snyder, emphasized the importance of keeping the team healthy for the postseason, a wise decision given the team's recent struggles with player availability. The Heat's victory was a testament to their resilience and depth, and they will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the play-in tournament.
