NBA coach calls out Bam Adebayo’s FAILED ATTEMPT at emulating Nikola Jokic

How Bam Adebayo’s struggles in the NBA Finals have highlighted Nikola Jokic’s MVP caliber.

NBA coach calls out Bam Adebayo’s FAILED ATTEMPT at emulating Nikola Jokic

Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat (Via Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

The Miami Heat and Bam Adebayo are one loss away from watching the Denver Nuggets celebrate their first NBA title on their home floor. The Heat have been outmatched and outplayed by the Nuggets in the NBA Finals, falling behind 3-1 in the series after a 108-95 defeat in Game 4 on Friday night.

One of the main reasons for the Heat’s downfall has been the slightly sluggish performance of their All-Star center Adebayo, who has been unable to contain or compete with Denver’s superstar Nikola Jokic.

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Adebayo’s lack of aggressiveness and assertiveness on offense has been particularly noticeable, as he has often settled for jump shots and passes instead of attacking the basket and drawing fouls.

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This has drawn some criticism from former NBA coach and current analyst Earl Watson, who said that Adebayo needs to focus more on scoring and less on playmaking. “Bam has to continue to be a scorer instead of a playmaker,” Watson said on NBA Final Film Room. “He can’t take on the persona of the Joker.”

Watson’s co-host Sam Mitchell echoed his sentiment, adding that Jokic’s passing works because he has better shooters around him than Adebayo does. “When the Joker is making those passes, he’s passing to guys who can score,” Mitchell said. “Bam’s passing it to guys that he’s hoping to score.”

Also Read: Conor McGregor HOSPITALIZED Heat mascot with VICIOUS PUNCH during Game 4 in Miami

Bam Adebayo and the Heat face a must-win situation in Game 5

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Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat (Via Getty Images)

If the Heat wants to keep their championship hopes alive, they will need Adebayo to step up his game in Game 5 on Monday night. Adebayo is one of the most talented and versatile big men in the league, and he has shown glimpses of his potential in this postseason.

Jokic has been a force of nature for the Nuggets, averaging 30.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, and eight assists per game in the Finals, while shooting 55 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from the three-point range. Gordon has also been a vital piece for Denver, averaging 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in the Finals, while playing stellar defense on Jimmy Butler.

Adebayo needs to find a way to make an impact on both ends of the floor, and not let Jokic or Gordon dominate him. He has one more chance to prove himself and help his team avoid elimination on Monday night. If he fails to do so, he will have to live with the regret of letting Jokic outshine him at the biggest stage of his career.

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