Miami Heat: 3 takeaways from Game 2 win over Boston Celtics
When Bam Adebayo is aggressive in the post, the Miami Heat can’t lose.
All-Star big man Bam Adebayo can do it all, he is a versatile talent on both ends of the ball. But at the end of the day, his being aggressive in the post is what Miami needed against Boston.
When the Heat went into halftime down 60-47, head coach Erik Spoelstra criticized something that’s rarely in question with this team: their effort. So, when the team came out in the second half, they answered the call and outscored the Celtics 37-17 in the third quarter.
Adebayo was noticeably aggressive. Instead of attempting jumpers from feet away from the basket, he took part in more pick and rolls and put on a dunking clinic. He scored 15 points in the quarter alone on seven-of-eight shooting from the field.
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Adebayo finished the night with 21 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block.
As the Heat and coach Spoelstra’s staff look into how they can make it a three-game lead on Saturday, Adebayo’s second-half play may be the key. Three of his rebounds were offensive, in comparison to his just one offensive rebound in a much closer Game One.
Adebayo needs to come out determined to dominate on the offensive and defensive glass, serving as more of a stereotypical big as opposed to relying on his strengths that make him so unique. If he can do that consistently, the Miami Heat can punch their ticket to the NBA Finals.