Everyone is still talking about Bam Adebayo's historic 83-point outburst on Tuesday night against the Washington Wizards, and rightfully so. No matter your perspective on how Adebayo secured his 83 points, 83 points is 83 points, and it's a feat that demands celebration and applause.
That said, what's more important than Adebayo's night is that the Miami Heat won again — let's not let that get lost in all the comotion. The Heat needed to start their three-game home stand off on a good footing, and they did, while also extending their win streak to six games.
For a few reasons, it was quite the night in South Beach, and everyone but the lowly Wizards got a win, including Dwayne Wade, a Heat legend himself, who just earlier this week welcomed Adebayo to his table of Heat history. Wade would again be thrust into the spotlight for congratulating Adebayo for a second time this week, while also highlighting something many are not paying attention to.
Dwayne Wade celebrated Bam Adebayo's 83 points, but made sure to shout out everyone else on the Heat for helping along the way
A captain must have a crew, and considering Wade refers to Adebayo as the "Cap" during his social media response to Adebayo's game on Tuesday, the crew in question should have the podium right beside Adebayo for their role in his historic night.
Wade was obviously ecstatic for Adebayo, as can clearly be seen in his reply to the Heat's social media team on Instagram. But Adebayo may not have reached 83 points had it not been for some savvy coaching from Erik Spoelstra or Adebayo's teammates on the floor.
The free throws are the main thing some are using to downplay Adebayo's points burst, but considering that Kobe Bryant's 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 were helped by just 18 made free throws compared to Adebayo's 36. Another issue being taken with is Spoelstra's decision to foul the Wizards' players to stop the game and allow the Heat to regain possession, subsequently giving Adebayo more chances to score.
Adebayo's teammates had to be on the ball, quick to get to their man, and foul appropriately and quickly. Doing this helped slow the game down. Additionally, getting the ball to Adebayo at the offensive end of the floor with urgency also played a role. As far as execution goes, the Heat's role players did their jobs to the T.
Adebayo certainly deserves his praise, but thanks to Wade, the "others" on the Heat get some recognition for their part as well. Teamwork is a powerful thing, and it also ties into how the Heat have been playing better lately and will hopefully continue to play as they climb up the Eastern Conference standings, one win at a time, leaving the play-in behind them.