Miami Heat Dominate Indiana Pacers For Season's First Home Win

MIAMI, Fla. – Entering Friday night, the Miami Heat were winless (0-3) at the Kaseya Center; however, a 145-125 win over the Indiana Pacers changed that.

Once again, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with a triple-double, which is the second this season in just six games. It didn't matter how many Pacers defenders surrounded him; the 31-year-old kept making strong plays. Antetokounmpo had 17 points and 10 rebounds, plus three assists and a steal, before halftime.

After 31 minutes of action, the 10-time All-Star dominanted to finish with 31 points on 72.2 percent shooting, 17 rebounds, 10 assists, and a block.

In the fourth quarter, the fans changed "MVP" for Antetokounmpo.

The Heat trailed early, struggling to make shots from behind the arc (five-of-17 at half), while the Pacers were hitting them (11-of-20). However, a 22-7 run, including 16 unanswered points, was a good-enough response to regain an advantage. The Heat outscored the Pacers 76 to 64.

Klay Thompson entered the game shooting 32.4 percent from behind the arc this season. He has struggled, for the most part, to find a rhythm offensively, but this time, it didn't take him long. Thompson finished with 25 points on 64.3 percent shooting, including seven three-pointers made; both are new season highs.

The Heat need the 36-year-old to be consistent and efficient as a floor-spacer.

One explosive performance can be enough to establish momentum for the rest of the season.

Bam Adebayo followed Wednesday's record-breaking night with 27 points on 78.6 percent shooting, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

It's a testament to how dangerous the Heat can be when both stars are in a rhythm together. They were surrounded by strong contributions, such as Davion Mitchell (15), Andrew Wiggins (12), Pelle Larsson (18), and Bobby Portis Jr. (eight) combining for 53 points.

What shouldn't be overlooked is Nikola Jovic making the most of a limited opportunity. Although the 23-year-old finished scoreless, he was active on the boards and grabbed five rebounds, plus three assists and a steal. Jovic impacted win, which is a factor in earning head coach Erik Spoelstra's trust.

The Heat improve to a 2-4 record ahead of a five-game Western Conference road trip, including a back-to-back:

- Nov. 2: at Los Angeles Lakers

- Nov. 4: at Los Angeles Clippers (Intuit Dome)

- Nov. 5: at Golden State Warriors (Thompson's return)

- Nov. 8: at Sacramento Kings

- Nov. 10: at Utah Jazz

The Heat leave South Florida with some momentum to build from throughout the extensive travel.

More Miami Heat News:

- "Miami Heat Enhance Dwyane Wade's Statue Two Years Since the Unveil"

- "Bam Adebayo: 'I Never Wanted to be Captain'"

- "Miami Heat's First Season Win Comes on Adebayo's Record-Breaking Night"