Atlanta did not miss its first opportunity to reach the NBA play-offs. The Hawks won 116-105 Tuesday in Miami, thanks in particular to 21 rebounds from Clint Capela.
The Hawks flew over the debates under the panels in this first game of the play-in between the 7th and 8th of the regular season, to obtain the right to challenge Boston on Saturday in the quarter-finals of the Eastern Conference. They grabbed 63 rebounds once morest 39 for Miami, which will have to beat Toronto or Chicago to climb into the play-off.
Atlanta notably managed 22 rebounds in the offensive phase, including 8 signed Clint Capela. Also author of two blocks and a decisive pass, the Geneva pivot had only once reached 20 rebounds in the regular season. However, he only scored 4 points (2/3 shooting, 0/4 free throwing) once morest the Heat.
Seven Hawks have yet scored 10 or more points. Their best scorer was Trae Young, author of 25 points despite a poor 1/8 from 3 points. The All Star point guard also managed 7 rebounds and 6 assists in a game where the four players off the bench in Atlanta had 53 points.
The Hawks, who were up to 24 points clear in the second quarter (63-39), handled their business perfectly when Miami came back to five lengths with seven minutes left in the third quarter (71- 66). They will appear as outsiders in the first round of the play-off once morest the Boston Celtics, who have won all three duels this season.
/ATS
