“Sometimes there’s karma in this game,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Bam was just outstanding for us, especially defensively, with everything he did and everything he had on the glass. Sometimes the ball finds that guy.
Adebayo isn’t much of a 3-point shooter, but he’s made 3 of 3 in his last three games, including Sunday’s 30-footer to beat the buzzer.
The victory also occurred without an injured wing. Jimmy Butler and guard Tyler Herro. Alongside Adebayo, Duncan Robinson had his game of the year, scoring a season-high 30 points.
“When you don’t have Jimmy and you don’t have Tyler, you have to maximize your next best plays,” Spoelstra said. “Bam will always be involved, but Duncan has touched every aspect of the game offensively.”
- In case you missed it, Robinson became the first player in NBA history to hit 1,000 threes. Our Brandon Santomauro has the full story here.
Pistons
Despite the heartbreaking loss to the Heat on Sunday, the Pistons have shown signs of life as of late.
In fact, even this defeat could be considered quite positive. It happened on the day Detroit honored its 2004 championship team, with players like Richard Hamilton, Rachid Wallace, Ben Wallace and current coach of the Trail Blazers Chauncey Billups.
“They’ll be fine,” Billups, the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, told reporters. “It just takes time.”
- For the record, the Pistons haven’t won a playoff series since 2008. They haven’t had 30 wins since 2018.
Falcons
If you’re wondering about the Hawks’ best win of the season…well, it would be Sunday’s Clippers upset in Los Angeles. And of course, this happened without an injured All-Star guard. Trae Youngwho remains sidelined due to a hand/finger injury.
Before Saddiq Bey (knee) was also out, but the Hawks were able to take a 61-44 lead before rolling to a 110-93 victory.
And they received an incredibly balanced effort along the way. Defeat Murray scored 21, De’Andre Hunter added 20, Jalen Johnson had 18 and 12 rebounds and Clint Capela 15 and 13, respectively.
But coach Quin Snyder will tell you it mostly came down to defense.
“Our players have told each other some things we need to do on defense and we try to be really focused on those things,” he said. “And then, offensively, really attacking this group. They’re a very good team, so I was happy with the way we played.
- Murray added: “We were all on the same page. Everyone was hungry to do better, and I think we did that from the first guy, talking to each other, helping each other. We were active throughout the match and I think that was important for this great team victory.
- The Hawks (30-37) ended a three-game streak and remained in 10th place in the Eastern Conference heading into Monday’s road game against the Lakers.
