Giannis Powers Heat to First Win of the Season in 129-117 Rout of Hawks

The Miami Heat finally have lift-off. Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered 24 points and 18 rebounds on Wednesday night as Miami beat the Atlanta Hawks 129-117 for its first win of the season — and the Greek star's first victory since his blockbuster offseason move from Milwaukee. Miami had lost its first four games after acquiring Antetokounmpo, and the pressure was building. Against Atlanta, the Heat finally looked like the team they were built to be: Bam Adebayo matched Giannis with 24 points and nine rebounds, Andrew Wiggins added 18, and Miami shot 53 percent from the field while piling up 70 points in the paint. The Heat took control early, shooting 15 of 23 in the first quarter to lead 34-25, and never let Atlanta back into it. Rookie Kingston Flemings and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each scored 23 for the Hawks, who have now lost three straight after opening the season with two wins. For Miami, this was about more than one win. It was proof that the Giannis era can work — that the paint dominance and the star power can translate into victories. One win does not fix a 1-4 start, but it ends the questions, at least for a night.