Giannis Antetokounmpo played only 11 minutes of game-1 against the Miami Heat because of a back injury. Much to the misery of the Milwaukee Bucks, the injury kept him unavailable for the next two games as well. So Giannis grabbed all the headlines as he came back for game-4. However, it was Jimmy Butler who finished the game strong and clinched the win for the Heat with one of the best-ever playoff displays. On the other hand, Bam Adebayo had a very poor outing and was called out for his performance.
The Heat went into game-4 at home leading the series 2-1. Bucks fans hoped Antetokounmpo’s return would give the team a win to even the series. Giannis and the Bucks started the game strongly, however, Butler was too hot to handle. But he will need the help of Adebayo and others to make a deeper run.
Udonis Haslem on the Heat Culture
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Bam Adebayo struggled massively going up against Brook Lopez who has been one of the best defensive players this season. The Milwaukee Bucks took an early lead, and the center was criticized for his shortcomings on TV during halftime. However, one fan noted he would be hearing much worse from his teammates than Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley. The Heat Culture is something that has been highly spoken about by everyone involved in the Heat. Udonis Haslem is a very important player when it comes to the Heat Culture.
He talked about the culture a few years back. According to a report from GQ, Haslem said, “Heat Culture is discipline, accountability, work ethic and enjoying somebody else?s success.” He also said that it requires the players to be fit throughout the year. When asked what does it look like when it’s put into practice, he replied, “Suicides. We have a conditioning test where you run five 10s and you have a minute.”
The three-time NBA champion added, “You start on the baseline (he begins counting to 10 back and forth) and you go up and back. You get two minutes rest and then you do it again. We do that five times.”?He noted nobody in the league is doing that and that it is not about basketball but about the mentality.
Fans feel Adebayo deserves the criticism
Bam Adebayo scored 15 points making only 6 of 16 field goal attempts. He had a few of his shots swatted away by Lopez as well. The center had a poor first half and was criticized for it. Here are some reactions to Adebayo’s criticism:
https://twitter.com/RobSlater10/status/1650663620445970445?s=20
https://twitter.com/luumaven/status/1650663182690557959?s=20
https://twitter.com/LubieOnAir/status/1650665228357574665?s=20
As he should be. He plays timid against Giannis. He is not a Max player.
— J. Suarez (@Jsuarez6086) April 25, 2023
Given how vocal Udonis Haslem and Jimmy Butler are, some fans assumed Adebayo would have heard about it in the locker room. Notably, Butler, Haslem, and Erik Spoelstra had a massive argument during a game this season.
Bam doesn't really do much in the playoffs
— Mattt Milller (@Mattm334863) April 25, 2023
Bam doesn’t deserve to be on the same court as Jimmy!!
— Sal (@curacaosal) April 25, 2023
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Because he deserves it! It’s brutal watching him.
— Patricia Davila (@pdavila73) April 25, 2023
Also, almost every fan commented Adebayo deserves criticism for his poor display in the playoffs.
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Do you think Bam Adebayo will come back stronger next game? Let us know in the comments.