How Bam Adebayo made history in Heat's win vs. Thunder - Hot Hot Hoops

Bam Adebayo (Mandatory Credit: Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

It’s been an uneven season for Miami Heat three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo

Nursing multiple injuries, Adebayo was averaging 12.4 points on 39.9 percent shooting and a dismal 45.7 percent true shooting over a 13-game stretch from Dec. 6 to Jan. 11. The 6-foot-9 big man clearly didn’t look like himself. But he was healthy enough to play — and he wasn’t producing to the level many expect, particularly offensively.

However, a switch was flipped over the next two points. Adebayo scored 29 points on 11-of-15 shooting against the Phoenix Suns before tallying 22 points against the Boston Celtics earlier this week.

Adebayo continued that trend against the reigning-champion Thunder, putting together arguably his best all-around performance of the season. And the nine-year veteran made history while doing so.

How Bam Adebayo made history in the Miami Heat’s win over the Thunder:

Adebayo’s homestand was arguably his best three-game stretch of the season.

Against Oklahoma City, he tallied a team-high 30 points, grabbing 12 boards — including six offensive — with a career-high six 3-point makes on 10 attempts. He had made just six 3-pointers over his previous 14 games before his most recent three-game stretch, where he buried 13 (on 23 attempts).

Adebayo became the first center in Miami Heat history to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and five made 3-pointers in a single game. Only three other Heat players — regardless of position — have reached those benchmarks in the franchise’s history.

Victor Oladipo (2021-22)

LeBron James (2011-12)

Mike Miller (2010-11)

Bam Adebayo (2025-26)

Only five centers — three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns, Alperen Sengun, Onyeka Okongwu and Victor Wembanyama — have recorded that stat line in a single game this season. Okongwu (2) and Jokic (2) are the only two to do it multiple times.

“Obviously, [Bam Adebayo] was sensational,” Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said after the win. “When you have one of these kinds of games, when you have to do it by any means necessary, you want somebody like Bam leading the way, leading the charge. It was competitive will. He’s being so decisive now offensively, and you’re getting the whole package.

“You’re getting the scoring; you’re getting the playmaking; you’re getting the facilitating. You’re getting all of it. You’re getting offensive rebounding and, defensively, he was everywhere.”

For the Heat to get to where they want to go, they’re going to need their captain to play to the level he’s capable of. Every player has ups and downs over the course of an NBA season. It’s a long season, after all. But the Heat can’t afford any more down nights offensively from Adebayo if they plan on competing for a top-6 seed, let alone for any kind of deep postseason push.

“My teammates, my coaching staff, they know what I’m capable of,” Adebayo said after the game. “Every shot I take, I work on all the time, and [Erik Spoelstra] knows that. He sees it. So it’s not a shocker that I shoot certain shots.

“But (if) you play the right way, and then you’re open, he wants you to shoot the ball. I have enough confidence in myself to shoot that motherf–ka.”

How Bam Adebayo made history in Heat’s win vs. Thunder – Hot Hot Hoops

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