“Bam Adebayo held Kyrie Irving to 0-of-8 shooting”: Heat star’s exemplary defense allows them to beat Brooklyn Nets, break 3-game losing streak

A Bam Adebayo gamewinner broke Miami’s losing streak yesterday afternoon. The All-Defensive team member also played some great defense on Kyrie Irving.

This was one of the most closely-contested games of this NBA season. Kevin Durant started tonight, but only played 4 minutes while making all 3 of his shots and both his free throws.

There was barely any separation between the teams all through the game. Miami’s largest single-quarter scoring lead was a paltry 3 points. With Kyrie Irving misfiring all night, the Nets were unable to get their offense going.

Landry Shamet led all scorers with a stupendous shooting night. He threatened to lead the Nets past Miami today, but Erik Spoelstra adjusted to have him guarded tightly down the stretch. The Nets were unable to score a single field goal attempt through the final 4 minutes. Kyrie took 3 of their 5 shots in this period.

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Bam Adebayo held Kyrie Irving to 0-8 from the field while guarding him

We’ve all heard Ben Simmons talk up his chances at a Defensive Player of the Year award. He cited his ability to guard players at every position as his biggest reason to win the award.

It seems Bam Adebayo has an equally strong claim to DPOY honors, if not more. The 4th-year forward/center has now developed into a well-rounded big man whose staple is his defensive presence. Adebayo proved his DPOY credentials by putting the clamps on Kyrie Irving tonight.

This particular play illustrates just how well Adebayo keeps up even with elite guards. His foot movement and ability to mirror Kyrie’s movements is truly elite.

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Adebayo held his opponents to 3-of-17 shooting today in a masterful display of defensive acumen. To top it all off, he swished the buzzer-beater for the Heat and helped break their 3-game losing streak. It was an all-round display of basketball, the likes of which very few big men have shown.

Bam is a rare breed of player who is excellent at practically every aspect of the game. The Heat are lucky to have him and Jimmy Butler in their ranks. They are possibly the 2 most underrated players at their respective positions.