The Miami Heat defeated the Atlanta Hawks 97-94 on Tuesday night to close out their best-of-seven series and advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
The Heat were missing two integral pieces to their starting lineup in Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler. However, the Heat have a “Next Man Up” philosophy and that is exactly how things transpired. The Hawks had high praise for the way the Heat stayed focused and played tremendous defense. Trae Young and Nate McMillian both spoke on this postgame.
“They’re a good defensive team,” Young said. “Their team is more of a system than who they have on their team. No matter who they have out there, they can play. … And when they’ve got a guy that they’re targeting and trying to take away, they do a really good job of doing that.”
“They are a hell of a team,” Hawks coach Nate McMillan said. “Those guys compete every second that they’re out on the floor and I have a great deal of respect for how they play.”
Victor Oladipo received the starting nod in place of an injured Jimmy Butler in game five. Oladipo stepped up and did not disappoint. Oladipo scored 23 points on 8-for-16 shooting from the field. Oladipo knocked down 3-for-6 from behind the three-point line. He also dished out three assists.
More Heat Contributions
- Bam Adebayo scored 20 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out four assists.
- Max Strus scored 15 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out two assists.
- Tyler Herro scored 16 points and dished out four assists off the bench.
- Caleb Martin scored 10 points and grabbed four rebounds off the bench.
The Miami Heat now await the winner of the Sixers/Raptors series for their second round matchup.
