A former Miami Heat rebounder speaks on Kel'el Ware's efforts, or lack thereof, when attacking the boards.
The Miami Heat are coming off a brutal loss against the New York Knicks, with a final score of 140-132. There were numerous notable performances, such as five-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns finishing with 39 points, along with six three-pointers made, 11 rebounds, four assists, and a steal in 38 minutes. Veteran guard Landry Shamet earned a new career-high with 36 points, along with six three-pointers made, two rebounds, and three assists in 37 minutes.
Also, Jordan Clarkson had his best game as a Knick: 24 points, three three-pointers made, five rebounds, and three assists in 33 minutes.
However, despite the offensive sparks, the Heat fell to defeat mainly because of the dirty work and hustle of veteran center Mitchell Robinson. It's also worth noting that he didn't play in the last matchup on Oct. 26th.
The 27-year-old was scoreless, but grabbed 10 rebounds, eight of which came on the offensive side, which contributed to the Knicks' total of 20 second-chance points.
Robinson is known for being among the best at attacking the glass, standing at seven feet with a 7'4 "wingspan.
The Heat's offense has been spectacular, ranking around the top of nearly every statistical category, but the team has been outrebounded in seven games thus far this season, two of which came in losses.
As Adebayo has missed the last five games due to a left great toe sprain, it's left second-year center Kel'el Ware to pick up the slack.
Erik Spoelstra has held the 22-year-old to a short leash, demanding more production and effort from him. However, against the Knicks, Ware was exposed by Robinson when battling on the boards.
The game was presented on Prime, which meant studio analyst Udonis Haslem watched everything from beginning to end. He played for the Heat for 20 years and is the franchise leader in total rebounds, 5,791.
The three-time champion wasn't pleased with Ware's efforts and also demanded more from him.
"Immediately, after the game, I immediately text Kel'el," he said. "I said, 'Get all the film with Mitchell Robinson in the game, watch all the film on every offensive rebound he got on you. How he positioned himself early and pushed you under the basket - you can't rebound if the ball is not in front of you. The first thing he said was, 'You're absolutely right, I'm going to get the film, and it won't happen again.'"
Ware was drafted right after Haslem retired, but he understands the hard work that was put together by the local legend.
"Kel'el might've saw me play twice," the 45-year-old said. "He don't have to listen to me, but just to have a young guy receptive to your information that you're giving them, it just makes it a lot easier for us to want to help these guys."
The Heat will face the Knicks again on Monday night, this time on their home court. It will be an opportunity for Ware to redeem himself and live up to his word.
More Miami Heat News:
- "Erik Spoelstra Demand Betters From Young Star"
- "Heat Veterans Continue Explosive Performances"