Image Source: NBA Sports
[Saba Sports News] This week, Bam Adebayo’s actions during a game drew significant criticism. In a challenging moment for the Miami Heat during a blowout loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Adebayo, in a moment of apparent frustration, engaged in a contentious play.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Mavericks holding a substantial lead, Adebayo, while vying for position, aggressively pulled on the arm of Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr., who was previously Adebayo’s teammate on the Heat. The incident caused Jones to double over in pain, requiring medical attention on the sidelines and sidelining him for the last three minutes of the game.
Adebayo, a three-time All-Star, had a particularly tough game, scoring just eight points with three rebounds and shooting 3-for-13, contributing to his team-worst minus-20 in the 111-92 defeat. Despite the pressures of the game, such actions are inexcusable, especially considering the history of similar incidents causing serious injuries, like the one to Kevin Love, a current teammate. Earlier this season, Heat player Duncan Robinson also fell victim to a similar play and labeled it as dirty.
With this loss, the Heat are likely facing another play-in tournament appearance. They will rely on Adebayo to not only improve his performance but also demonstrate better judgment on the court if they are to make a significant playoff push.