Bam Adebayo reveals reason why Heat's opening-night loss was extra embarrassing

Wednesday’s home opener against the in-state rival Orlando Magic couldn’t have gone any worse. The Miami Heat got run off the floor in the second half of the game, losing in blowout fashion 116-97. With all things considered, it was a slap in the face to the entire fanbase and organization. 

There was plenty of optimism going into the game in hopes of starting fresh with the core fully healthy and rejuvenated. All of the encouraging signs the Heat showed during their 4-1 preseason stint were nonexistent. The improved offense took a step backward right out of the gate, and it even impacted their defense. 

Orlando’s positional length posed a real problem on both ends of the floor, led by Paolo Banchero’s game-high 33 points and 11 rebounds. Their size completely rattled Miami and caught up with them in the second half. After a tight game heading into the break, the Magic outscored the Heat 39-18 in the third quarter. 

Bam Adebayo was embarrassed of the Heat's performance on a night meant to honor Pat Riley.

But the worst part of it was folding on a night where the legendary Pat Riley was honored at halftime. Team captain Bam Adebayo spoke to the media following the game and opened up on his disappointment in the team’s performance.

“We played bad. It’s embarrassing. Especially on a night like this for God Father Riley. I know it’s the beginning of the season but we don’t want to make this a getting used to thing. For us it’s win or misery,” Adebayo said. 

Riley was given a beautiful ceremony following the second quarter to celebrate the unveiling of the new “Pat Riley Court at Kaseya Center.” For someone as important to the franchise as himself to witness a loss like this on his night was tough. With nearly 30 years at the helm of operations for the Heat, the team went away from everything Riley is about. 

There was no fight or signs of life from Miami in this game. For the activity level to be so minimal, to the point where the Magic completely blitzed them off their own home court on a night like this, was difficult to be a part of. Ultimately, the loss came down to the play of the Heat’s best players in Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. 

That duo combined for 12 points on 2/13 shooting. Butler suffered his lowest scoring game since 2021 and was a complete non factor, putting together just 3 points on 1/ 8 shooting alone. They each had a -30 plus/minus when on the floor, good for a game-worst. It was concering to see these two, Butler especially, so uninvolved on a night like this.

Miami and their stars will have a chance to bounce back in their next game against the Charlotte Hornets. But it is not ideal to already be facing adversity this early on, as that season opener was a tough pill to swallow for everyone involved.