Hawks unable to close it out; Lose to Miami Heat 101-98
By Jason Marks
The odds were already stacked against the Hawks as Dewayne Dedmon was a late scratch with a sore rib.
Dedmon’s scratch meant the Hawks had 8 players suited up, but did those 8 give it their all and then some.
A fast start in the first quarter fizzled late as Miami jumped out to a 30-25 lead. In the 2nd quarter, Damion Lee led the Hawks surge with 10 points to put Atlanta on top by 4 at the half.
In what has been like clockwork for the 2017-2018 season, the Hawks 3rd quarter started out very sluggish and before you know it, the Heat were up 69-61. However, Atlanta was able to bounce back as they evened things up at 78 heading into the final quarter.
The Hawks started strong in the 4th with an 11-0 run to take their biggest lead of the night 89-80. It wouldn’t last as the Heat stormed back led by a clutch three from a Tyler Johnson with 90 seconds left. Miami would get back on top as Hassan Whiteside tipped one in for a 99-98 lead.
Josh Richardson would add 2 free throws to make a three point game. John Collins got the last shot, but Richardson would block it to preserve a 101-98 win for the Heat.
Game Notes
- Miles Plumlee saw 34 minutes on the floor scoring 6 points and grabbing 8 rebounds
- Taurean Prince did not see any playing time in the 2nd half. Head Coach Mike Budenholzer was asked if it had to do with any injury, he said it was a “Coaches Decision”
- Deandre Bembry saw 17 minutes of action scoring 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
#TankingSZN
I’ve seen your responses on our Twitter Page, and I acknowledge “The Tank Is Real”. So for all of my “Tankers” out there, I have some good news.
- The Dallas Mavericks win 115-109 over the Portland Trailblazers improving their record to 24-54.
- The Orlando Magic got a convincing win over the New York Knicks 97-73 to improve their record to 23-54. (The Hawks are currently 22-56)
- With Atlanta’s loss on Tuesday, they are currently a half game ahead of the Grizzlies, holding the 3rd worst record in the league.
- Memphis Grizzlies did not play Tuesday night. They will travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans Wednesday. The Grizz currently hold the 2nd worst record in the league at 21-56.
- OH HAPPY DAY!!! The Phoenix Suns snapped their 15 game losing streak beating the Sacremento Kings getting their 20th win on the season. They still currently hold the worst record in the NBA at 20-59.
Up Next For The Hawks
They’ll face the Miami Heat Wednesday night, this time at Philips Arena, for a 7:30 tip.