2️⃣ The two shades of Bam
Bam Adebayo has been great for the Heat to start the season and proved that this past week. He seems to have a chip on his shoulder in the two games, showing extra-aggressiveness against Anthony Davis and Jaren Jackson Jr. But that fire didn't distract him from the assignment. He was also able to read the different coverages he got and play accordingly.
Acting more as a distributor against the Lakers, Bam Adebayo finished with a triple-double (22 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists) and what really stood out was his passing ability. With the Lakers keying in on him, he was able to find open teammates on cuts behind the defense or serve his shooters with the attention given to him.
Three examples:
The first play features Bam in transition. After he escapes Anthony Davis, there's a two-on-one with Butler. He waits, uses a little in-and-out move and finds Jimmy once Christie makes a move to focus on him.
The second play is a Heat staple. Bam is in the post and there's an action away from the ball. Richardson cuts and the Lakers switch. Robinson notices that and cuts to the open spot, and Bam finds him easily.
Again, away from the ball action, this time with Bam at the top. Duncan screens for Butler but the Lakers anticipate the action with Bam and Duncan. Adebayo finds Butler with a tough pass, over Davis, with Russell arriving late to help.
The Grizzlies gave Bam much more space to operate, making him a scorer. And something that probably would've turned into a difficult game for him in the past became a 30-point outing, hitting the shots the Grizzlies gave him.
Four scoring examples from Miami's game in Memphis:
First off, he has the physical advantage over Ziaire Williams. So he backs him up, sees the space in the middle of the Memphis' defense and quickly attacks the rim.
Second play: Biyombo is worried about the Robinson/Butler action and gives Bam space. He quickly recognizes that and gets to his favorite spot just inside the free-throw line for an easy jumper.
Third: Robinson's aggressive cut pulls Bismack Biyombo away from the basket. Bam sees Williams has no help behind him and attacks the basket.
The last play is from the last few minutes of the game. Bam is one-on-one against Biyombo, everyone else spacing out on the other side. Bam attacks the Grizzlies' big man using his mobility and goes straight at Jackson on the help side, shielding his shot well.