MIAMI — In a significant win for the Miami Heat, Bam Adebayo shone by setting a new franchise record with 19 points and 15 rebounds, leading his team to a 106-90 victory against the Washington Wizards, currently at the bottom of the NBA standings. Adebayo, now in his eighth year with the Heat, eclipsed the team’s record for double-doubles, overtaking the previous record held by Rony Seikaly from 1988 to 1994. A significant rebound late in the second quarter marked Adebayo’s 222nd career double-double, breaking Seikaly’s record.
The game saw some unfortunate incidents, as rookie Kyshawn George from the Wizards had to leave the court in the fourth quarter due to a jaw injury caused by an accidental elbow from Adebayo. Miami’s Duncan Robinson contributed 17 points to the win, while Tyler Herro and Pelle Larsson each added 16 points. This victory marks Miami’s third win in their last four games, positioning them at seventh place in the Eastern Conference as they strive for a secured playoff spot.
For the Wizards, Khris Middleton was the top scorer with 16 points, followed by Bub Carrington with 14. Despite the victory, the Heat’s recent performance has been inconsistent, achieving only 8 wins out of their last 22 games.
The turning point of the game was marked by Herro’s 3-pointer with 2:21 remaining in the second quarter, finalizing a 14-3 run and putting Miami comfortably ahead at 50-31. From that moment, the Heat maintained control, facing little resistance from the Wizards.
Statistically, while the Heat did not deliver a standout shooting performance, hitting 47.6% from the field, they managed to restrict the Wizards significantly more, holding them to just 36.9% shooting accuracy.
Looking forward, the Wizards are set to host Utah on Wednesday as they continue their season, while the Heat will travel to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers on the same day.
