Heat End 0-4 Start With Win Over Hawks

Miami ended its 0-4 start to the 2026-27 season with a 129-117 win over Atlanta, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 24 points and season-high 18 rebounds. Bam Adebayo also scored 24, and Miami scored 70 points in the paint; the Hawks, led by 23 points each from Kingston Flemings and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, lost their third straight. Before the win, Adebayo said outside critics were making him a scapegoat; through four games, he was averaging 11.8 points and 7.3 rebounds. Commentators disputed his characterization of media criticism, and one speculated his frustration might reflect adjusting to a team built around Antetokounmpo; Adebayo denied Giannis was behind his poor production. In an earlier loss to Charlotte, coach Erik Spoelstra criticized the physical contact Antetokounmpo faces and compared officiating him to officiating Shaquille O’Neal, while saying the referees were not the reason Miami lost.