According to Bam Adebayo, if the Heat make shots in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets they go back to Miami tied.
American professional basketball player of Nigerian descent, Femi 'Bam' Adebayo, has spoken about adjustments in the NBA Finals.
Adebayo led the Miami Heat in scoring as they suffered an 11-point blowout loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Finals.
Fresh off a Game 7 victory against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Miami Heat were not at their best against the Denver Nuggets.
Bam Adebayo charges Miami Heat to tie series against Denver Nuggets
Speaking after practice, Adebayo addressed the media about the adjustments that the Miami Heat need to make.
He explained taking 25 shots in Game 1 and how it impacted their offense.
Adebayo said, "But for me, it was just a great opportunity for me.
"I feel like all those shots were in my wheelhouse, and I've been shooting them all season."
Adebayo also emphasized the importance of getting his star player, Jimmy Butler, while running pick-and-roll.
He said, "They don't want him getting downhill and being in open space.
"I feel like the biggest thing when we're in pick-and-roll is for me to get him open. That's the point of the pick-and-roll, to get my guy open and let him have space."
Adebayo wrapped up by saying the Heat intend to make it 1-1 rather than go down 2-0 ahead of their return to Miami.
He said, I feel like we can protect home like no other.
"Having an opportunity to be 1-1 and then you take care of home, that's a 3-1 split, and you try to close out the series from there."
Adebayo is now expected to take on the responsibility of guarding two-time MVP Nikola Jokic in Game 2, scheduled for early Monday, June 5, 2023.
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