Miami HeatOpen full analysis
Atlanta HawksOpen full analysis
The Miami Heat defeated the Atlanta Hawks 126–111 on December 26 at State Farm Arena, with Norm Powell and P. Larsson leading the visitors with 25 and 21 points respectively. Miami's defense proved decisive, holding Atlanta to a 47.1 percent field-goal rate while forcing 21 turnovers, and the Heat's 14 steals fundamentally disrupted the Hawks' offensive rhythm. Trae Young's 30 points and J. Johnson's 24 kept Atlanta competitive early, but Miami's fourth-quarter explosion—36 points—sealed the outcome after the teams traded blows through three quarters. The Heat's rebounding advantage (52–42) and ball security (10 turnovers versus Atlanta's 21) underscored their control; Miami also out-assisted the Hawks 29–26 despite matching their 47.1 percent shooting. The final score fell below the Vegas total of 250.5, suggesting a more defensive affair than anticipated. This victory reinforces Miami's resilience and defensive versatility heading into the second half of the season.
