The Miami Heat hosted the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night (October 23) at their American Airlines Arena in Miami. It was the Heat's third game this season and their second winning game after their 112-108 win over the Indiana Pacers on October 21. The home team shot overall 50 percent from the field, 38 percent from the three-point line and 67 percent from the free throw line. The two teams tied in rebounds of 41 but the home squad had just 19 turnovers compared to the 20 for the visitors.

NBA game recap

The Miami Heat started off the game with little defense while they outscored the visitors (26-23) after the 12 minutes of game time, hitting 14 inside shots and four three-pointers.

In the second quarter, Miami increased their lead, outscoring the Hawks throughout. They finished the halftime in front with 62-44. Heading into the third quarter, the Hawks answered with a 29-15 run of their own and lowered the gap from 18 to just four at the end of the period.

Though the Heat missed 8-of-9 three-pointers in the final quarter, they covered those up with 8-of-12 two-pointers and eight free-throws to gain 27 points while the Hawks finished with 20 points.

The home squad finished a convincing win against the Hawks with a final score of 104-93.

Ellington help with six threes

The Miami Heat played the night without center Hassan Whiteside due to a bruised left knee.

The team had five different players who added double-digit scores in their game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Josh Richardson led the way to victory with game-high 21 points, four rebounds, two steals, two blocks and two assists. Wayne Ellington banked in 6-of-8 three-pointers, hitting 75 percent shooting from beyond the arc. His 3's were very helpful to the Heat to complete his 20 points contribution.

Goran Dragic completed 19 points in 34 minutes while Dion Waiters had 10 points in 24 minutes off the bench.

Miami's Kelly Olynyk finished the game with double-double records. He added 10 points and rebounds on his stat line.

On the other side of the court, the Atlanta Hawks lost the game without point guard Dennis Schroder and forward Ersan Ilyasova due to injuries.

The team did however have Taurean Prince and Kent Bazemore to lead the game with 20 points each.

Prince shot 64 percent from the inside and 67 percent from beyond the three-point line. Bazemore banked in just 6-of-17 field shots and 1-of-4 three-pointers in 32 minutes off the bench.

John Collins had 14 points while Marco Belinelli added 11 points in their game against the Heat. The Atlanta Hawks are set to play against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, October 26.
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