In game four of the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat got past the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena for a demanding 110-86 victory. Miami is now one win away from advancing to the second round, where they’ll face either the Philadelphia 76ers or Toronto Raptors.
Much credit has to be given to Jimmy Butler! Butler could not be stopped, scoring 36 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and four steals. The Hawks kept on fouling Jimmy as he went 11-of-12 from the stripe and and 12-of-21 from the field.
Is there an answer to stop the Heat from getting to their fourth win in this series? The likely answer is no.
Even though Miami didn’t have the best three-point shooting night, they were able to hit their free throws when it mattered the most going, 14-of-16 through three quarters. Atlanta looked flat in the third by making careless passes, terrible fouls, and turnovers. That’s when Miami really took over.
De’Andre Hunter stepped up for the Hawks, scoring a team-high 24 points. However, it wasn’t enough as Atlanta had 15 turnovers.
The Heat are clearly showing why they are the No. 1 seeded team in the Eastern Conference. Besides Butler, PJ Tucker (14 points) and Max Strus (12 points) are really stepping up.
Next Up
The Hawks will have to survive elimination at FTX Arena and not get crushed on the glass.
Will Miami close down Atlanta for the final time in the postseason? Or, are the Hawks going to sweat this one out and force a game six back at home on Thursday night, April 28th?
We shall all have our questions answered on Tuesday night as tip-off will begin at 7:00 pm.