Q: OK, Ira, I’ll be the one: Where are all the Bam bashers today? How would you rate that one in Heat history? – Nate.
A: Individually, at least when it comes to the regular-season, can’t see how you could put anything above. Yes, it was against a Wizards team halfway to Cancun. Yes, the whistle could not have been more favorable or more frequent. But this Heat season had been desperate for a moment amid another play-in race, after a trade deadline without movement. At times, 82 games seems more than excessive. But within those 82 are moments you never see coming, moments that define seasons and define careers. Whether the 19,700 listed in attendance were actually in their seats didn’t matter. What did matter is the joy shared by those who were in the building. This is why you never see it coming until it comes. This is why Miami Heat 2025-26 now has its defining moment. Yes, some things else in the playoffs have meant more, including Ray Allen’s 3-pointer or even Jimmy Butler’s comeback against the Bucks, Dwyane Wade 2006 Finals against the Mavericks. But 83? 83! This is why sports.
Q: Kudos to Erik Spoelstra for leaving Bam Adebayo in almost the entire game and letting him have his shining moment. – Ray, Deerfield Beach.
A: I don’t think it would have mattered, because I don’t think Bam would have come off the floor. In a team sport there still can be individual moments that do not detract from the greater good. This was one of them. If the Wizards could care less, then good for Bam for caring more.
Q: Where has this Bam been? I’m glad he had a night like this. – Chris, Oceanside, Calif.
A: Yes, but also let’s not do this, let’s not diminish all those nights when Bam Adebayo has been dominant on defense and flew beneath the radar. This Heat team, for how far it goes or doesn’t go, still is built on defense, because in the playoffs, or even in the play-in, there are no Wizards. What this did was allow Bam to show there is another side. Good for him.