The Miami Heat easily defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of their first-round series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. After being blown out in Game 1, they rebounded spectacularly, winning 111-101 to tie the series.
Many people will focus on the Heat’s hot shooting performance in the game, and with good reason. Miami, more than any other NBA club, has found a way to break through the Celtics’ traditionally tough defense with incredible shooting performances.
On Wednesday night, the Heat made 53.5 percent of their 3-point attempts. Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, and Haywood Highsmith each made at least three 3-pointers during the game.
Herro led the way with 24 points, 14 assists, and five rebounds, demonstrating his mastery of the ball. In Game 2, Heat center Bam Adebayo joined him in recording a double-double. Adebayo had 21 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists in the contest.
People were not impressed by Adebayo’s attacking abilities. Instead, a former NBA front office official praised him for his defensive influence.
After Game 2 on Thursday, Amin Elhassan appeared on the LeBatard Show to assess Adebayo’s influence on the court. Elhassan believes Adebayo is the finest defender in the NBA.
“He’s the league’s top defensive player, and it’s not close. When you show me Rudy Gobert guarding Jayson Tatum — not on a switch, protecting Jayson Tatum, guarding Jaylen Brown — how did they shut down the Celtics offense in the second half? It was Bam Adebayo. It wasn’t just help defense; Bam Adebayo was the primary defender on Brown, Tatum, Porzingis, and even Holiday at times. “That’s the best defensive player in the NBA, hands down.”
Amin Elhassan says Bam Adebayo is the best defender in the NBA
"He’s the best defensive player in the league, and it’s not even close. The moment you show me Rudy Gobert guarding Jayson Tatum — not on a switch, guarding Jayson Tatum, guarding Jaylen Brown — how did they bottle… pic.twitter.com/OTkfpbmTOe
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 25, 2024
Miami’s defensive success may be attributed in large part to Adebayo’s versatility on that end of the court. Adebayo has the size and skill to guard all positions, as he demonstrated in Game 2 against Boston.
Kristaps Porzingis was silenced in the game, going 1-for-9 from the field and 0-for-4 on 3-pointers. Jrue Holiday wasn’t much better, going 4-for-12 from the field and 1-for-4 from long range.
Adebayo was the driving force behind their achievement. If the Heat are to pull off the upset and proceed to the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, he must maintain his current level of play.
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