In October, the Miami Heat unveiled an 8-foot bronze statue of Dwyane Wade outside the entrance of the Kaseya Center. What was meant to be a tribute to the Heat legend quickly gained attention for all the wrong reasons. Fans took to social media to comment on the statue’s lack of resemblance to Wade.
The statue’s notoriety resurfaced during the Atlanta Hawks’ 120–110 victory over the Heat on Saturday at State Farm Arena. The Hawks seized the opportunity to poke fun at their division rivals, incorporating the statue into their game-day entertainment.
Hawks scoreboard when Heat shoot free throws. pic.twitter.com/Hnf3P6Lg5m
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 28, 2024
As Heat players stepped up to the free-throw line, the arena’s scoreboard displayed an image of Wade’s statue with the word “SCREAM!!!” It encouraged the Atlanta crowd to disrupt the Heat’s focus.
Atlanta Hawks Outlast Heat Despite Miami’s Free-Throw Precision
The Heat shot a 17-of-18 from the stripe compared to Atlanta’s 17-of-22 on Saturday. But their accuracy wasn’t enough to overcome the Hawks’ balanced attack.
Tyler Herro was the hero for Miami, who recorded 28 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds in a standout performance. Bam Adebayo added 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Duncan Robinson chipped in with 16 points and five assists. However, the Heat struggled to find consistent contributions beyond their core players.
In contrast, the Hawks showcased a deep and versatile roster. The Hawks dominated the boards with Johnson and Larry Nance Jr. combining for 23 rebounds. Their defensive efforts, coupled with efficient shooting from Hunter and Mathews, kept Miami on the back foot throughout the game.
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Jalen Johnson delivered a double-double with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, while De’Andre Hunter contributed 26 points in just 29 minutes. Garrison Mathews added 18 points off the bench, and Trae Young sealed the offense with 15 assists despite scoring just 11 points.
Also Read: Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat: Prediction, Probable Starting Lineups, And Injury Updates
