"At one point during the broadcast for the Miami vs. San Antonio game, the Spurs TV announcer said, "I don't recognize this Heat team. This is not your grandfather's Heat." He was referencing the fact that Miami was high-flying to start the game and looked to turn Thursday night into a track meet. But then the second half happened, and Miami scored just 14 points in the third quarter, reverting back to the Heat offense we all know and mildly tolerate."
"For the first time in his career, Adebayo shot more than ten three-pointers in a single game. He made four en route to 31 points and ten rebounds on the night. In fact, Adebayo was +7 on the night, and so it's hard to pin the loss on him, especially when he was also tasked with guarding Victor Wembanyama at times."
"And so, as Miami players tried to go inside, they all looked like they had seen a ghost, and either kicked the ball back out or committed a turnover. Even though Miami actually had two more points in the paint than San Antonio in this game, it was the lack of contact the Heat were drawing that ultimately swung the game. The Heat shot just 11 free throws, compared to the 23 the Spurs got."
Miami started the game playing fast and high-flying but scored only 14 third-quarter points, reverting to a slower, familiar offense. Bam Adebayo attempted a career-high 13 three-pointers, making four and finishing with 31 points, ten rebounds and a +7 while occasionally guarding Victor Wembanyama. Other Heat players failed to challenge Wembanyama physically, with Kel'el Ware struggling and interior drives ending in turnover or kick-outs. Miami had two more points in the paint but drew far fewer fouls, attempting 11 free throws to San Antonio's 23, and lost 107-101 without Norman Powell and still missing Tyler Herro. Adebayo shooting 36% from three is a team emphasis but relying on his long-range volume masked broader offensive problems.
Read at All U Can Heat
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