Hawks vs Heat final score: Atlanta drops preseason opener 92-87

The Atlanta Hawks open their 2013 preseason slate with a 92-87 loss to the Miami Heat. A quick look at that score doesn't tell the tale in this one as the Hawks were dominated early when many of the Heat's regulars were in the game. Atlanta responded somewhat in the second half but its clear that there is still a lot of work to be done before the regular season begins.

Atlanta was outscored 25-16 after one and 24-14 in the second to trail by 19 at the half. Offensively they struggled with their spacing and looked hesitant in the early going which led to 12 first half turnovers. Things might have been worse defensively for the Hawks where their rotations were slow or non-existent leaving Miami with a number of wide open looks from the perimeter. The Heat went 5-11 from three-point range in the first half and finished 12-26 for the game. Conversely Atlanta was just 4-23 from distance.

Atlanta was able to make things interesting in the second half as they outscored the Heat 57-43 over the final two quarters. The Hawks closed to within two points after a three point play from Mike Scott and Dennis Schröder's steal and lay in. However, Roger Mason Jr. closed things out with a pair of free throws and Schröder missed on a drive sealing the victory for Miami.

Chris Bosh hit 7-8 attempts and finished with a game-high 21 points in just over 20 minutes. Mason Jr. added 14 while Reshard Lewis pitched in 11 off the bench. LeBron James finished with nine points on 5-11 shooting.

Mike Scott led Atlanta with 13 points off the bench. Paul Millsap scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half while Al Horford finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Jeff Teague finished with nine points and four assists but was just 2-7 from the field.

There was one notable injury for the Hawks as Gustavo Ayon left the game in the first quarter with a shoulder injury. He will be reevaluated on Tuesday and his status will be updated at that time.

The Hawks are right back at it on Tuesday night as they will take on the Charlotte Bobcats in Asheville, North Carolina.