Will Miami Heat get aggressive Bam Adebayo in Game 6 vs Knicks?

Bam Adebayo is arguably the most versatile defender in the NBA. When his name is mentioned, defense should be the first thing that comes to mind. His offense, however, is what can make him a superstar.

I can’t be the only Heat fan to yell “Shoot the ball” when Adebayo has a wide-open 16- to 20-foot jumper but does not take it. Through Adebayo, the offense operates at its peak. His aggression and scoring repertoire are crucial to the success of Miami in this pivotal Game 6 Friday night. Adebayo must step up and assume the lead role for the Heat.

Every time he has attempted 20 or more field goals in a game this season, he has scored over 30 points. He averages 32.2 points per game when he attempts 20 shots or more. The Heat are also 4-1 in those games. In the 2023 playoffs, Adebayo has shot the ball 20 or more times just once — in Miami’s close-out game against the Bucks in the first round.

In Game 6, Adebayo needs to be aggressive and help Jimmy Butler shoulder the scoring burden. With the Knicks double-teaming Butler on nearly every possession, Adebayo is a needed release valve.

Bam needs to set the tone early by knocking down the jumpers around the top of the key. On most nights he is left with ample space to rise and knock down that shot and that is what he needs to do. Once that is established now he can have fun and pick the Knicks defense apart. He is too fast for Randle and Robinson and can bully Hartenstein.

His versatility as a playmaker is also a significant asset for the Heat, but in this game, he must establish himself as a scoring threat before anything else.

Pick-and-Roll Actions: Adebayo excels in pick-and-roll situations. His quickness and agility allow him to slip screens and dive to the basket effectively. Against the Knicks, a team that can struggle with pick-and-roll defense at times, Adebayo could exploit this to get easy buckets at the rim. He can also pick and pop and take the open jumpers we have talked about.

Mid-Range Jumpers: Adebayo’s mid-range game has improved significantly over the past few seasons. Against the Knicks, who have a great paint protector in Mitchell Robinson, Adebayo could look to get his shots from the mid-range area, specifically the 16- to 20-foot range. He’s shown a consistent ability to hit these shots when left open.

A confident Adebayo could set the tone for the game. His ability to produce will not only contribute directly to the scoreboard but will also boost his teammates morale and confidence. When Adebayo is in full scoring mode, he exudes a contagious energy that can invigorate the entire team. We know Jimmy will come out Friday looking to eliminate the Knicks, but he can’t do it alone.