The Miami Heat put a lid on the Magic on the day set aside for Kobe

The Miami Heat had to play on Monday, even in light of the tragic circumstances surrounding the NBA. Could they get the job done against their in-state rivals?

The Miami Heat are a professional basketball team with professional players, thus meaning it is a business and a job and so even among the unfortunate circumstances that surrounded the awful day that was Sunday for many people across the globe, there was still a game to be played on Monday. The Miami Heat would welcome the Orlando Magic into their building, AAA, the American Airlines Arena on Monday.

As teams did on Sunday at the immediate onset of their respective games, the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic chose to honor the memory of one of the greatest NBA players ever, the late great Kobe Bean Bryant. They took a cue from multiple teams on Sunday, as the Miami Heat allowed themselves to take a 24-second clock violation on their first possession, while the Magic allowed themselves to take an eight-second violation in the backcourt for theirs. It was most appropriate, as we all know that Kobe wore “8” and “24” for his career.

The game itself got off to a great start for the Miami Heat and remained that way throughout. Bam Adebayo was unconsciously letting it go from all over the court, a welcomed sight to Heat fans, as we’ve been asking for nothing more than him to simply be more aggressive in looking for his own shot. Bam did that on Monday.

The Miami Heat controlled the game from the opening tip, behind inspired performances like that of Bam’s. They led big in the first half, before letting that lead slip a bit heading into the half, before then coming out and doing something that the Miami Heat don’t do. They not only had a very positive third quarter but they severely outplayed and outscored the Magic, which set up a cakewalk of a fourth-quarter for the Miami Heat.

To be honest, this was one of the easiest Miami Heat wins all year it seemed, and it was made that much sweeter because it came against a team that always gives the Heat fits and an in-state rival in the Orlando Magic. Bam Adebayo finished with his third career triple-double with 20 points and both10 rebounds and assists apiece.

When Jason Jackson of the Miami Heat’s broadcast team asked Bam to whom would he be dedicating this performance, noting that he has previously dedicated his prior two to his mother who only will accept them in victories might I add, Bam said it was Kobe. He added that it was because Kobe was essentially his idol.

That was the case for a lot of people Bam and we are certain he would be proud. The Miami Heat face the Boston Celtics in Miami on Tuesday night for an Eastern Conference showdown on a tough second leg of a back to back set. It should be a good one.