Tyler Herro drops 24 points off bench in triumphant return as Heat rout Hawks 128-97

Tyler Herro drains a pull-up jumper over Hawks defense during first-half explosion at State Farm Arena.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro scored 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting in 23 minutes off the bench Friday to lead a 128-97 rout of the Atlanta Hawks.

Herro returned after missing 15 straight games with a right rib fracture, his latest setback in a season plagued by 45 total games out. He added four rebounds and three assists while staggering minutes with leading scorer Norman Powell in his first action since January 15.

The Heat snapped a mini-slump with their most lopsided road win of the campaign. Miami outscored Atlanta by 41 points in the paint and forced 20 turnovers while shooting 52 percent overall.

Bam Adebayo chipped in 18 points and nine boards alongside Herro's spark. Powell topped 20 points for the ninth time in 11 outings as Miami's revamped backcourt clicked immediately.

Herro's prior absences included foot surgery that cost him the season's start and a toe contusion. He entered averaging 22 points across 11 games played on efficient splits before the rib issue surfaced.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra managed minutes carefully in the rout. Miami improved to 6-1 on the road in their last seven while holding Atlanta under 100 for just the third time this year.

The win vaults Miami into playoff contention after a middling first half. Herro spoke postgame about team defense fueling the outburst on both ends.

Andrew Wiggins added 15 points with strong play from newcomers like Kasparas Jakucionis. Heat bench outscored Hawks reserves by 28 in the lopsided affair.

Herro eyes steady role moving forward as Miami hosts Memphis next. His scoring punch bolsters an offense averaging 114 points over the last 10