Miami finally got off the mark on Wednesday, beating Atlanta 129-117 on the road for the Heat's first victory of the season — and the night belonged to Bam Adebayo. Adebayo scored a season-high 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds, passing Udonis Haslem's franchise record of 5,791 career rebounds to finish the night on 5,794.

A record built over a career

Rebound records rarely arrive with a single dramatic play. They accumulate across seasons, through physical battles under the basket and the unglamorous work of boxing out night after night. Adebayo's achievement places him alone at the top of a list headed for years by Haslem, a player closely associated with the franchise's identity. The milestone arrived in a game Miami needed. The Heat had lost their first four matches, and a fifth defeat would have deepened early-season pressure considerably.

Giannis and the supporting cast

Giannis Antetokounmpo added 24 points and a season-high 18 rebounds for Miami, while Andrew Wiggins scored 18 and Pelle Larsson added 17. Miami outscored Atlanta 70-52 on points in the paint and shot 53.1 percent from the field. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led Atlanta with 23 points, and rookie Kingston Flemings matched him with a season-high 23. Atlanta has now lost three games in a row after winning its first two.

Atlanta's late push falls short

The Hawks, trailing by 18 in the third quarter, closed to 118-112 with 3 minutes 33 seconds left before Antetokounmpo scored four straight points and Miami finished with an 11-5 run. For the Heat, the win is a first step rather than a turnaround — but with a franchise record secured, it is one they will remember.

Sources: Reuters, theScore.