PHOTO - NBA.com
Isn’t it amazing how Bam Adebayo has blossomed into a star during the NBA playoffs? He’s gone from averaging 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in 2017-18 to 8.9 points7.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 2018-19 to 15.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season.
Adebayo had a mind-boggling block on a dunk attempt by Boston’s Jason Tatum to save a playoff win and despite Saturday’s loss — when he more than did his part with 27 points on 10-for-14 shooting, 16 rebounds, three steals, two blocks and one assist — the Heat still have a 2-1 series lead going into Game Four on Wednesday.
Boston had 60 points in the paint in Saturday’s win and Miami standout Jimmy Butler says the Heat are counting on Adebayo too much to help when teammates get beat.
“We just got to stay in front of our man. Simple as that. I think we put too much on Bam to always be there, and he can’t save us every single time,” Butler said. “He’s great at help defense and he’s great on the ball but he already does enough for us.
“You can’t just get beat and expect for Bam to come and save you every time.”
Yet Butler knew Adebayo did everything possible in the loss Saturday night to get a Miami win.
“He did everything he could to try to will us to this win all game long, passing the ball, guarding. Obviously scoring and rebounding the basketball.” Butler said.
“We need him to continue to play like that, which he will. We’ll bounce back.”
