11/18 - Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks: Quater by Quarter

November 18, 2009

1st Quarter - Miami Heat 23 vs Atlanta Hawks 26

Miami was finally able to get off to a better start then they did their past two games where they were only able to score 17 points in the 1st quarter. The Heat got most of their scoring from Michael Beasley who had 11 points off 5-7 shooting. Beasley scored the first 8 points for the Heat who are without Udonis Haslem for tonights game. This opened up a spot for PF Shavlik Randolph to get his first action as a Miami Heat player. He entered at the game with one minute left in the quarter. Dwyane Wade missed his first four shots before being able to drop one over Joe Johnson on the baseline. He finished the quarter with 4 points.

2nd Quarter Miami Heat 43 vs. Atlanta 60

After taking a 35-32 lead off a James Jones three-pointer, Miami fell asleep on both sides of the ball. Atlanta went on a 28-8 run to close the second quarter and take a 17-point lead. Josh Smith scored all of his 14 points of the half in the second quarter; 12 of them came during Atlanta's burst of offense.

Wade was held scoreless by Atlanta in the quarter. He gave up a couple of shots and was looking timid. Miami's defense gave up 15 fast break points in the half and turned over the ball 9 times. Michael Beasley leads the team with 13 points followed by Quentin Richardson with 6. Joe Johnson leads all scores with 18 points.

3rd Quarter Miami 72 vs. Atlanta 79

Miami came out of half time blazing on a 17-6 run and were able to cut the Hawks lead to 8 going into the 4th quarter. Wade made 2 of Miami's 5 three pointers and scored 9 points. With 32 seconds left in the quarter, the NBA's free throw attempt leader, finally got to the line. Miami was able to hold Josh Smith scoreless but Joe Johnson continued to pour it on. He finished the 3rd with 27 points. Miami lost Richardson for the rest of the game to what was diagnosed as a lower back strain early in the quarter. The Heat, who are already short handed, are going to have to look towards the bench for someone to replace Quentin Richardson in the staring line up. Dorell Wright looks like the leading candidate.

Final - Miami 90 vs. Atlanta 105

Atlanta came right back at the Heat at the start of the 4th quarter with a 10-1 run that Miami was not able to overcome. Led by Joe Johnson's 30 points, the Hawks sent the Heat to their third loss in the past four games. The Heat are winless when giving up 100 points or more.

Atlanta held Dwyane Wade to 15 points and ended Wade's 23-game streak of 20 points or more. The Heat gave up plenty of open shots looking to get Wade the ball. It looked as if no one wanted to be responsible for what was going to happen. They must allow the game come to them and not what is given to Wade. Miami wasted a lot of time trying to get Wade to shake the double team.

Up next for Miami are the Toronto Raptors on Friday, November 20th. Atlanta is now tied with Phoenix for the best record in the NBA at 10-2.