For the second time this season, the Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Hornets in a, 104-86, win on Saturday night. Given that the Hornets were on the latter half of a back-to-back set, the opportunity was right there for Miami as they took care of business on the road.
Even after a slow start in the first half, a strong and collective two-way effort propelled a 35-8 advantage for the Heat in the third quarter.Jimmy Butler led the way with 27 points on 10-13 shooting, while Tyler Herro added 16 but above all else, a much-needed offensive assertion was on display for fifth-year big man, Bam Adebayo.
Despite a 20 point scoring effort being outnumbered by a career-high 21 field-goal attempts, Adebayo’s tendencies to shy from carrying Miami’s scoring load during certain stretches have been well documented and an emerging topic over the last two seasons.
However, there has been a clear point of emphasis for the Heat to rev up their franchise centerpiece to help him find his confidence. This particular trial couldn’t have continued against a more favorable opponent, as the Hornets currently allow the third-highest scoring average (114.2) in the NBA.
Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo’s Aggression To Score Should Come Naturally
While he wasn’t exactly efficient in the first half (3-13 field goals), Adebayo continued to apply pressure against Mason Plumlee and the Hornets frontline.
Aside from contributing as a screen and roll and dribble handoff threat or obtaining second and third chances on the offensive glass, there’s been a willingness for Bam to initiate the Heat’s transition offense since he returned from thumb surgery.
Against Charlotte though, you saw more of an effort to put his shoulder down and attack in the post, even taking a few open midrange jumpers.
Regardless of who’s in front of him while he’s on offense though, the assertive mentality is ideal for Bam — as he’s always giving an All-Defensive effort on the other end.
Here is proof of such, per NBA.com.
However, nights such as these should be observed with a slow and reasonable approach.
There’s, indeed, room for Adebayo to reach the 15 field-goal attempt range on most nights but until his teammate, Jimmy Butler, sees a decline of some sort throughout his current extension, the Heat’s primary scoring option will almost always fall into Butler’s hands.
Miami Heat: As Long As Jimmy Butler’s Around, Bam Is, At Best, Number Two
For now, it should be understood that Miami’s team success shouldn’t be completely centered around Adebayo’s scoring output, as his window and timeframe to grow offensively are wide open.
Kyle Lowry was added to provide the table-setting dynamics for him, but also for the team in general. With that, the Heat have placed themselves in an adequate position to contend for, perhaps, the next two seasons.
Among all of that though, there should also be a trust that they will look to gradually enhance Bam’s abilities to score, which is a development that’s already been set in full motion.
- The Miami Heat are 8-5 this season when Adebayo scores at least 20 points or more.
At the very minimum, Adebayo will remain a yearly Defensive Player Of The Year candidate and in a league that’s fixated on increased scoring and pace, his ability to defend at this level shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Will there be games such as Saturday where Adebayo should look towards the basket and play without fear? Absolutely.
But it’s also a luxury to share the floor with other scoring options and for any young player, it’s important to embrace that potential but to also refrain from forcing it. He’ll figure it out.