The Miami Heat have shown what they're capable of, especially at the start of the season, and Bam Adebayo knows the team needs to find that spark again.
There's no denying the Heat have hit a wall after starting the regular season on a strong note and among the best in the Eastern Conference standings. However, in the last nine games, the team ranks 20th in the league in average points, 113.9, 19th in assists, 25.7, 24th in field goal percentage, 45.8, and 23rd in offensive rating, 110.8. These are some areas where they were thriving until recent struggles.
After recently snapping a five-game losing streak with a victory on Thursday, Dec. 18th, against the Brooklyn Nets with a final score of 106-95. However, the relief was short-lived, due to suffering a loss to the Boston Celtics the following night, with a final score of 129-116. It was a competitive matchup throughout three quarters, until former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and two-time All-Defensive guard Derrick White took over, combining for 63 points, including 11 three-pointers made.
The Heat were shorthanded, but had enough to keep the game close until the end. European rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis finished with 17 points, including five three-pointers made, six rebounds, and four assists in 36 minutes. Kel'el Ware also stepped up big with 24 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, and a block in 28 minutes.
However, it was the stars who struggled to battle against the historic franchise. Norman Powell was inefficient, although finishing with 18 points, but shot 33.3 percent from the field, 0.09 percent from three-point range, making one out of 11 attempts. That's an unacceptable performance from the veteran guard, who's supposed to provide a massive offensive spark.
The captain also wasn't his very best, as Bam Adebayo recorded his 11th double-double of the season with 16 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and a steal in 36 minutes. However, he was a negative 15 in the plus-minus category.
The three-time All-Star alluded to finding a "breakthrough moment" in the midst of adversity.
"We started off hot early in the season," the 28-year-old said. "We get these shifts throughout the season, where it feels like everything's not going your way. We got to find that breakthrough moment."
Erik Spoelstra and the Heat aren't new to adversity; just looking back on last season alone, the team went through a 10-game losing streak, along with the entire Jimmy Butler saga. It's moments like these that define a team, especially the response.
It's going to take a collective effort, regardless of who's available or not, to change things on the court.
More Miami Heat News: