The Miami Heat have played their first game after they trounced the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, headlined by Bam Adebayo’s historic 83 points. He played well against the Milwaukee Bucks, but he only scored 21 points.
It is a testament to Adebayo’s role as primarily a defender who can also score. This is something that Heat legend Udonis Haslem has pointed out, especially against the bizarre criticism that Adebayo has received for having a good game.
Haslem defends Adebayo from the backlash of his 83-point game
Most of the NBA community was amazed by how Adebayo out-scored Kobe Bryant and took second place in the record books in the single-game scoring list. Unfortunately, Adebayo has also received backlash for his performance.
Many have pointed out his 36 made free throws, which is far and away the highest total of any player ever. Some also pointed out how the Heat were shameless with how they helped him get his points total.
As a Heat icon, Haslem came to Adebayo’s defense. He was teammates with him for plenty of years, so he is quite familiar with the player who just scored 83 points.
“For the people at home, a lot of guys in the NBA play a role. That doesn’t mean they can’t get a bucket. You don’t know what kind of talent Bam has if you just give him the ball and let him go,” Haslem said on the Prime Video NBA broadcast.
“I understand the FTs, but that’s on the Wizards. If you can’t stop him with three people, then you gotta figure out what you can do.”
Haslem brings up a good point because a good night should be rewarded with opportunities for records. That is what Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra gave to Adebayo, which led to his 83-point night.
At the end of the day, Adebayo’s 83 will be in the record books. In a few years, many will forget how many free throws he shot because scoring 83 points should always be an impressive achievement.
