Tyler Herro made a triumphant return from a long injury absence on Friday night, scoring 24 points and leading the visiting Miami Heat to an emphatic 128-97 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, instantly reigniting Miami’s offense after weeks of inconsistency without him on the floor.

Herro had missed 15 consecutive games due to a fractured rib, the latest setback in a season plagued by injuries that forced him to sit out 45 total games, yet he wasted no time making his presence felt in his first appearance since January 15.

Coming off the bench with clear purpose, Herro shot an efficient 9-of-14 from the field while adding four rebounds and three assists, demonstrating a renewed rhythm and confidence that reflected both his recovery progress and the Heat’s trust in his offensive creation.

Miami entered the night in need of a spark to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, and Herro’s energy, shot-making, and composure helped stabilize the team’s rotation while relieving pressure from Miami’s other primary scoring options.

With the victory, the Heat strengthened their hold on the No. 8 seed, pushing their lead over Atlanta to 3.5 games, an important buffer as both teams navigate the final stretch of the regular season and fight for Play-In positioning.

Atlanta’s loss dropped them to 10-16 at home, a disappointing mark considering the Hawks began the night at the start of a five-game homestand designed to help them climb the standings and regain momentum in a competitive conference.

Miami received additional offensive support from Bam Adebayo, who contributed 17 points and eight rebounds, while Norman Powell added 15 points, bringing a balanced scoring attack that complemented Herro’s efficient return performance.

Adebayo controlled the interior on both ends, using his physicality to create second-chance opportunities and disrupt Atlanta’s attempts to establish rhythm in the paint, reinforcing his role as Miami’s emotional and defensive anchor.

Powell provided timely scoring bursts and perimeter spacing, helping Miami execute clean offensive possessions and maintain their lead even during moments when Atlanta appeared poised to rally behind improved shooting stretches.

His veteran experience allowed Miami to settle into offensive sets with poise, producing stabilizing contributions that prevented Atlanta from turning defensive stops into quick transition scoring runs.

The Hawks were led by the outstanding play of Jalen Johnson, who recorded a brilliant triple-double with 16 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists—marking his 11th triple-double of the season and showcasing his emergence as a rising all-around star for Atlanta.

Onyeka Okongwu added 22 points, continuing his steady interior scoring production, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum each poured in 20 points, providing the Hawks with multiple offensive threats despite their struggles in the opening quarter.

However, despite those individual performances, Atlanta stumbled out of the gates offensively, shooting only 29.2% from the field in the first quarter while managing just one made three-pointer in eight attempts, allowing the Heat to build a comfortable 29-16 early advantage.

Miami capitalized on Atlanta’s slow start by pushing the pace, attacking the rim, and generating quality looks through off-ball movement and early shot-clock actions that forced the Hawks to defend multiple layers of Miami’s offense.

Herro played a significant role in building the early lead, scoring eight points in the first quarter through a mix of smooth mid-range pull-ups, catch-and-shoot jumpers, and patient drives that exposed Atlanta’s defensive miscommunications.

But as the second quarter unfolded, Atlanta rediscovered its shooting rhythm, converting seven of 13 attempts from three-point range to mount an impressive comeback and erase what had once appeared to be a growing Heat advantage.

The Hawks tied the game at 46-46 with 2:12 remaining in the second quarter after Okongwu sank a free throw, completing a surge that electrified the home crowd and put Miami briefly on its heels as momentum swung sharply.

Yet the Heat maintained composure, tightening their defensive rotations and executing more disciplined offensive possessions to close the half on an 11-5 run, reclaiming a 57-51 lead as they headed into the locker room.

In the third quarter, Miami regained complete control by ramping up their defensive pressure, creating turnovers, and converting in transition while executing a 10-0 run midway through the period that pushed their lead back to double digits.

Adebayo and Powell spearheaded the surge by combining physical interior play with timely scoring, while Herro orchestrated the offense with precise passing, controlled pacing, and confident shooting that challenged Atlanta’s defensive coverage.

Miami entered the fourth quarter holding an 87-75 lead, a margin built on disciplined execution, improved shot selection, and a renewed defensive presence that minimized Atlanta’s perimeter threats and forced difficult shot attempts late in the shot clock.

The Heat then opened the final quarter with a blistering 11-0 run that extinguished any hope of an Atlanta comeback, turning the remaining minutes into a showcase of Miami’s renewed momentum with Herro back in the rotation.

Miami’s combination of efficient ball movement, strong interior finishing, and consistent defensive engagement allowed them to stretch their lead beyond 30 points in the closing minutes, transforming what began as a competitive contest into a decisive statement victory.

Herro’s return reaffirmed the significant impact he brings to Miami’s offensive structure, as his scoring gravity, shot creation, and off-ball movement open lanes for teammates and force opposing defenses into difficult coverage decisions.

Miami now leads the season series 2-1, having won both matchups played in Atlanta, and the teams will meet for the final time on April 12 in Miami—an important season finale with potential postseason implications for both franchises.

The Heat will look to capitalize on their strengthened momentum with Herro healthy again, while the Hawks must address their inconsistencies if they hope to close the gap in the standings and secure more favorable positioning before the playoffs.

Herro’s performance not only lifted Miami to an important road win but also provided optimism for a team that has endured significant injuries and lineup disruptions throughout the season, highlighting how crucial his presence is to Miami’s long-term aspirations.

As the Heat continue their push toward postseason qualification, Herro’s combination of scoring, spacing, and playmaking will remain essential, especially as Miami aims to stabilize their rotation and elevate their consistency in the final stretch of the season.