The Miami Heat finally did it - they unleashed the Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware frontcourt combo we’ve all been waiting for. And boy, did it pay off against the Spurs.
Here’s the lowdown:
• The Heat were struggling, down by 5 in the second quarter
• Spo throws Bam and Ware out there together for the first time this season
• Boom - 14-2 run and the Heat take the lead, never looking back
This lineup change was a game-changer. The Heat looked elite defensively, something they haven’t been all season. It’s got me thinking - should this be the starting frontcourt moving forward?
Now, I’m not fully on board yet. I think it should be more matchup-based. But, at the same time, I realize the Heat need an identity. They’ve been mediocre on both ends of the court. If this combo can make them elite at something, why not roll with it?
The benefits were clear:
• Ware guarding Wembanyama freed up Bam to wreak havoc elsewhere
• Bam took smaller guys into the paint, breaking down the defense
• The Spurs looked confused, like they didn’t know how to handle it
Sure, there might be some matchups where it’s not ideal. But this team needs a shake-up. They’ve lost three straight, Jimmy’s situation is a mess - why not try something new?
Spo admitted they’ve been working on this behind the scenes. Smart move not rushing into it. You don’t want to set your rookie up for failure. But now that it’s working, it’s time to lean into it.
The vibe shift was real. The whole team looked re-energized. Duncan was talking smack, Hero was finding his rhythm without forcing shots. It just clicked.
So here’s my take: Make this the norm. Let Ware and Bam figure it out together. Build that chemistry. Force other teams to adjust to you for once.
Will it solve all the Heat’s problems? Nah. But it’s a start. And in this up-and-down season, that’s something to get excited about.
