Hawks vs Heat: Three Takeaways For Atlanta After Loss to Miami

Atlanta was a big favorite against the Miami Heat on Saturday night and it was a great opportunity to pick up a win and remain near the top of the Eastern Conference. Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Caleb Martin were all out for Miami yesterday, but similar problems plagued the Hawks last night. A slow start, turnovers, and poor defense all led to a short-handed Heat getting a win in Atlanta.

So what are the key takeaways from last night's loss? Let's break them down.

1. Bama Adebayo was the best player on the court last night

The Miami Heat do not have a very good offense even with Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro and without them, it was hard to find a reason that they would have the kind of offensive night that they did.

Bam Adebayo was the reason and he reminded everyone why he is one of the best players in the NBA last night.

Adebayo finished with 26 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists on offense, and in my opinion, he is the best defensive player in the NBA and he made an impact on that end as well. He controlled the tempo on offense and was efficient. Adebayo was going to have to have a huge night with Butler and Herro out and he did what he needed to do.

2. Another slow start killed the Hawks

Over the final three quarters, Atlanta outscored Miami by nine points. The problem was the 1st quarter (again). Miami scored 41 points in the quarter and shot 68% from the field and the Hawks remain the worst 1st quarter team in the NBA. They have gotten off to slow starts repeatedly this season and allow 30+ points in the first quarter often. There have been times that they have been able to overcome those slow starts, but not last night.

3. Turnovers were a huge problem last night

Not only did the Hawks get off to a slow start, but they did not take care of the ball. Atlanta turned it over 21 times and that led to 23 points for the Heat. Whenever Atlanta cut into the lead, they would turn the ball over or play poor defense or both. Atlanta is now 23rd in the NBA in turnovers per game and their carelessness with the ball and poor transition defense is a recipe for disaster.

Atlanta hits the road for their next game against Detroit at 7:30 on Tuesday and that will be the Hawks's first game in the NBA In Season Tournament.

Short-Handed Miami Heat Defeats Atlanta 117-109

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