CAMDEN, New Jersey — The Heat got a lot of output from their big man, Bam Adebayo, in the opening two games of this second-round series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat.
With Joel Embiid out for the first two games due to the concussion protocol and an orbital fracture, Bam Adebayo steps up and led the Heat to a 2-0 series lead with 47 points and 21 rebounds.
Since, Adebayo only had nine points on 2-for-9 shooting and three rebounds when Embiid will return on Friday.
Coach Doc Rivers credited Embiid for shutting down Bam Adebayo, and the Sixers went on to win the game.
“It’s honestly that easy,” Rivers added.
“He spent a lot of time playing against Jo.”
He did do without him for a while, but having a more significant person than you, athletic, and has a circumference and anything else helps.
I’ve been saying all year that Joel hasn’t received his defensive due.
I think Friday demonstrated that.”
As the Sixers continue to play in this series, Embiid will pair with Bam Adebayo, which should help them claw their way back into the series and win it.
As great as Bam Adebayo is, this is a matchup where Embiid has a significant edge, which favors the Sixers.
In addition, Game 4 is crucial on Sunday as Philadelphia seeks a 2-2 tie before returning to Miami for Game 5.
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