The undermanned Miami Heat fell to 1-3 in the first-round series against the Boston Celtics. With Jimmy Butler out of the recent games, the series has been nowhere close to the fireworks the two teams have shared in their previous post-season matchups. Nevertheless, a brief exchange between Bam Adebayo and Jayson Tatum managed to ignite the fan’s emotions all across the arena.
After the refs stopped the game behind a whistle on Patty Mills, Tatum took the opportunity to test his shot, like players often do. Bam, to prevent Tatum from the comfort, tried smacking the ball out of JT’s hands and putting on a hard contest. This resulted in Jayson Tatum landing on Adebayo’s leg and twisting his ankle. Adebayo was charged with a flagrant one-foul for covering Jayson’s landing space.
When asked about his views on the same, Adebayo claimed to remain confused about the situation. “I don’t even know dawg,” he said in the post-game interview. After quickly realizing the penalties he could face for demeaning referees, Bam Adebayo immediately added, “We’re just gonna move on from that. You’re gonna get me fined.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Bam Adebayo on the explanation he got for that flagrant late:
“I don’t even know dawg. We’re just gonna move on from that. You’re gonna get me fined.”
— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) April 30, 2024
“Cheating ass refs,” Anthony Edwards exclaimed on national television after winning a close game against Oklahoma City Thunder. “I’m gonna take the fine because the refs did not give us no calls tonight,” Ant backs himself up to face a $40,000 fine for repeatedly publicly criticizing the league’s officiating.
Earlier, Paul George saw a $35,000 penalty for insinuating that the Clippers were against “extra three” players (referees) on the court. Moreover, Sacramento Kings’ head coach Mike Brown bought a team laptop to highlight the referee’s shortcomings and lost $50k in a similar fine.
Bam Adebayo’s flagrant might not be intentional
Ever since the play culminated in the heated fourth quarter, fans have been accusing Bam Adebayo of intentionally hurting Jayson Tatum. The narrative also sparks from Heat’s inclination towards making things tough for the C’s. However, from what the post-game bought us, it seems like Bam’s foul was purely in the light of the game.
“I know he’s trying to compete over there but I was just mad,” Al Horford, who forced the referees to review Bam’s action, said after the game. He realizes that Bam’s contest was simply a method of not letting Jayson Tatum see the ball going through the net.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Moreover, Tatum, who was casually talking to Bam while the referees reviewed the play, also refrained from blaming Bam Adebayo. “I don’t want to make it a bigger deal than it is,” he said while signifying adequate health.
After the initial cloud of uncertainty in the arena, Bam argued with the refs after the Celtics won 102-88. He stood at the halfcourt, extensively explaining himself to one of the officials.
Bam Adebayo is seen arguing with referee John Goble as they discuss that flagrant 1 foul following Heat-Celtics Game 4.pic.twitter.com/NedmoUghOy https://t.co/3FE1CFJt1H
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 30, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Luckily, Bam kept to himself in the post-game, leaving no room for any potential hazard to his team’s spirit. The Heat will now head towards the TD Garden to play in Boston for an elimination-heavy Game 5.