This season, the Miami Heat are having their finest run of play yet. They have already won three straight games, and what’s even more amazing is the caliber of the opponents they have vanquished. Despite the fact that both LeBron James and Anthony Davis played that evening, the first was a landslide victory over the Los Angeles Lakers by a score of 41 points. A victory over the Phoenix Suns and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the greatest team in the league, came next.
Although this Heat team has been perceived as unable to compete with real contenders, there have been many encouraging developments in recent days. Has Erik Spoelstra finally figured out how to maximize this roster’s potential? Bam Adebayo’s yelling at Spoelstra against the Suns is one incident from these three games that has stuck out.
“Coach Spoelstra always gets on us about making mistakes, but that was one of his own,” Adebayo reportedly said, according to Ira Winderman in the Sun Sentinel. “As the other team was about to inbound the ball, he shouted, ‘Two! Go into a zone.’ You can’t make that kind of change mid-play. It doesn’t help us, and I ended up getting called for a foul because of it. I told him afterward, ‘Don’t do that again when you’re on the court.’”
A player shouting at the coach can become problematic in a different setting. In South Beach, it doesn’t appear to be the case. Regarding the situation, Spoelstra stated: “I messed up our team’s organization into a zone.”He’s screaming at me because I called it too late. I adore it.
“I want the defense to be led by him. He speaks for us. Additionally, he was communicating every coverage. He made sure that everyone understood our actions and the changes we were making throughout each huddle. He is a unique type of leader when he is acting in that manner.
This season, Adebayo has seen his share of detractors. It was anticipated that he would jump and become the team’s spokesperson. His shooting efficiency has decreased as a result of his failure to do so.
However, we are now beginning to catch a peek of the authentic Adebayo once more. Against the Suns, the 25-point, 12-rebound, and 8-assist effort was undoubtedly one. It is undoubtedly improving the Heat’s performance.
Adebayo also appears to be doing a good job of carrying out his leadership responsibilities, even admitting his errors to the coach when necessary.
