5. Bam Adebayo’s triple-double vs the Lakers
In the seventh game of this season, the Heat hosted LeBron James and the Lakers for a fascinating matchup. LeBron vs Jimmy, Austin Reaves vs Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo vs Anthony Davis. Butler (28 points, six assists, four rebounds) and LeBron (30 points, three assists, four rebounds) played to a virtual draw, as did Reaves (23 points) and Herro (22). What tilted the game in Miami’s one-point win was Adebayo thoroughly outplaying Davis. Adebayo dominated with 22 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists while AD managed a meager nine points and six rebounds. In fact, Adebayo outscored Davis’s total in the first quarter, setting the tone with nine points, five assists and four rebounds in the opening period. Adebayo sent a message that he’s among the top centers in the league and can dominate on both sides of the court.
Revisit: A look at Bam Adebayo’s historic triple-double in Heat’s victory over Lakers