The Washington Wizards received a brutal beatdown against the Miami Heat in what became a historic night for Bam Adebayo. The three-time All-Star center dominated the Wizards, leading to an 83-point performance, becoming the second-highest scoring total in a game throughout NBA history. Social media went berserk, and Adebayo has received both love and hate from all corners of the basketball world.
One of the biggest quotes came from Wizards head coach Brian Keefe after the game. The 49-year-old gave the big man both praise and criticism, including his controversial opinion on the game’s fourth quarter.
Wizards’ Keefe On Adebayo’s Historic Night: ‘Not Real’ Basketball
The Heat blasted Washington 150-129, powered almost solely by Adebayo’s historic performance. In the midst of all the celebrations and congratulatory messages from around the league, Keefe’s messages were the first of lots of backhanded compliments to Miami’s star.
Adebayo’s Night
Adebayo smashed each scoring record for the Miami Heat during his career night. He scored the most points in a quarter, half, and, of course, a game for the franchise. He shot 43 shots, including 22 threes. The big man would hit 46.5% of his shots, while knocking down a career-high seven three pointers.
Miami’s star would smash both free throws attempted and free throws made records, shooting 43 and making 36. In a game full of historic achievements, Keefe decided to slightly downplay Adebayo’s night.
Hating At Its Finest
Keefe was quick to make his comments on Adebayo’s scoring performance. Immediately following the game, Keefe would take the stand in his post-game press conference, where he let the world know what he thought.
“You got to give him [Adebayo] credit in the first half. He shot the ball terrific, he scored the ball really well. Obviously, he came out and had a little bit in the third too, but they obviously kept him in the game. You know, there’s a lot of foul calls, 16 free throws in the fourth quarter. Just trying to take the ball out of his hands.”
Keefe would go on to say he couldn’t explain some of the calls that the referees were calling on the Wizards, who were desperately trying to slow down Adebayo’s scoring. However, when asked about the turnover battle, in which the Wizards gave up 23 compared to the Heat’s 16, Keefe sounded off.
“The possession game was definitely the key. We only lost the game by seven in the second half, and the fourth quarter just turned into not a real basketball game. We got to be better with our ball security and we got to own the fact that we let this guy get hot and that’s on us.”
If there were an award for the most backhanded compliment in the NBA, Keefe would win by a landslide. Adebayo dominated the game in every category while scoring at will. Is Keefe maybe just a little salty?
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Unfortunately, Keefe’s words seem to be taking major shots and poking holes in the second-highest scoring game in league history. However, if it wasn’t obvious, Keefe’s remarks don’t mean much. For his fourth-quarter remarks, Adebayo took multiple shots that were often through contact, over double or triple teams, all while being fouled repeatedly. Keefe was right; once the big man got hot, there was no slowing him down. While there may be much debate on whether Adebayo’s game deserves an asterisk (it does not), 83 points is 83 points.
Here’s a question: What did Keefe really think was going to happen? Alex Sarr played a total of six minutes in the second half, and Adebayo would drop 40 points across the frame. Not only is Sarr the best defender for Washington, but one of the best in the league. He also happens to be the only big man in D.C who can match Adebayo’s output, both offensively and defensively.
That being said, Keefe is partially to blame for Adebayo’s night. Without Sarr on the court, Washington’s defense has been exposed time and time again. You can’t get upset with calls and free throws when you are actively leaving your best defensive player on the bench. In fact, you should almost expect high-scoring games to happen.
The Last Word
Keefe’s apparent lack of trust in the sophomore led directly to Adebayo’s scoring masterclass. Not only has Keefe received backlash for his poor coaching this game, but he may very well find himself without a job in the offseason. Wizards fans are eager to start winning, and the vast majority of online debate for Washington is whether he can really lead a team to the playoffs. The hot seat may finally be getting to him.
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