Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra Says Celtics' Extra Defensive Attention Is A Compliment To Bam Adebayo's Talents

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo has struggled against the Celtics' new defensive schemes in the past two games

It’s understandable why Miami Heat fans are frustrated with center Bam Adebayo. 

But maybe more credit should go to the Boston Celtics defense according to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. He attributed that to the struggles in the series. saying Adebayo draws this attention as a star player.

“It's born out of respect,” Spoelstra said. “He was aggressive and able to get to the trim and able to get to his spots. They've now made him operate in a crowd. That's a good thing. That's what great players usually command, a second defender.”

Adebayo went 8 of 15 from the field in Game 5 for just 16 points, missing many shots close to the rim. He averaged 21 points on 15 field goal attempts in the first two games, but he’s averaged 13 points on just nine shot attempts since. 

Spoelstra said adjustments are key to getting Adebayo back into rhythm.

“He just needs to get into the rhythm of how they're defending him,” Spoelstra said. “We'll see if we can get him in places where he can feel more comfortable to get to his spots. We all have to make sure our two main guys are playing in their strength zones. That’s on me, and that’s on everyone executing with intention.”

The Celtics made changes but Miami needs to re-adjust and close things out at home Saturday night. They don’t want to go back to Boston for Game 7.

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.