“Played Like Sh*t”: Miami Heat Youngster Takes The Blame For Game 5 Defeat Against Boston Celtics

The Miami Heat failed to take care of business tonight. After beating 3-1 up against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, they ended up losing in Game 5 and extended the series. During the post-game press conference, All-Star Bam Adebayo was disappointed with himself and took the blame for their loss.

He said, “I played like sh*t. Bottom line. I put that game on me. Not my teammates’ fault. Not my coaches’ fault. Me.”

Off-game for Miami Heat youngster Adebayo

So far in this series, the 23-year-old had been outstanding for the Heat. But tonight, he wasn’t at his best and couldn’t prevent the Heat from losing.

In the first four games, Adebayo was averaging 21.5 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 60% from the field. But tonight he only had 13 points and eight rebounds and converted just 5/11 attempts.

He also allowed an underperforming Daniel Theis to put up 15 points and grab 13 rebounds, as he lost the paint battle badly. Previously, Theis was averaging a mere 6.5 points and seven rebounds a game but he looked dominant during Game 5. In total, the Heat were out-rebounded 38-50 and they allowed 15 second-chance points too.

The Heat offense also faced a lot of inconsistencies. Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson had an excellent first half, shooting 66% from the field. But in the second half, they were abysmal and could just make one shot each, with Butler shooting 1/5 and Robinson going 1/6.

The Heat lost 108-121 but it could have been worse. They started well, but in the second half, the Celtics took over and the plot changed. The Heat held a 12 point lead at one stage, but their listless performance from the third quarter was the primary reason for their loss. But this was an off game for the team who know that they can do better than this.

Game 6 will again be an intense affair, but the Heat, and especially Adebayo, will be hungry to improve and not delay their NBA Finals appearance any further. The Celtics will hope to force a Game 7, but the Heat should be able to put them away.