New Butler-Adebayo connection, plus 2 more Heat observations from loss to Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks v Miami Heat - Emirates NBA Cup

Three observations from the Miami Heat’s 106-103 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night at Kaseya Center.

1. Jimmy Butler creating 3s

Three of Butler’s five assists resulted in Heat 3-pointers. When we talk about Butler being in attack mode, this is the most obvious benefit (besides his own scoring).

When Butler gets a switch and battles a smaller player down low, it forces the opposing defense to help and creates an advantage for the Heat offense. Watch here as he takes Damian Lillard into the post, drawing help from Brook Lopez and creating an open look for Bam Adebayo.

Also interesting: Bam is positioned beyond the 3-point line above the break. Last season, he would have been below the basket in the dunker spot, ready for a dump-off pass or to crash the glass for an offensive rebound. This alone shows the changes in Miami’s offense this season.

2. Bam Adebayo’s shot chart

It’ll get lost in this loss, but Adebayo’s shot chart was just about what the Heat want in this new offense. Six shots in and around the restricted area, two 3-point attempts and one mid-range jumper (and even that one was from his sweet spot at the free-throw line).

Those shots at the basket are key. Adebayo has had a hard time getting them consistently this season, but sometimes it’s just about the Heat making it a priority. Here, they get the smaller Gary Trent Jr. switched onto him via a pick-and-roll with Terry Rozier. Then, it’s basically a triangle action. Rozier passes to Jaime Jaquez Jr. on the wing, who pings it to Adebayo for an open dunk.

3. Terry Rozier stepping up on defense

Damian Lillard torched the Heat for 33 points in the first half. He was the biggest reason for the Bucks opening a 22-point lead. Haywood Highsmith couldn’t keep up with him and Jimmy Butler didn’t fare much better.

In the second half, coach Erik Spoelstra turned to Terry Rozier. Perhaps this was a way to challenge Rozier in his first game off the bench. Give it your all on both ends and maybe you can earn your starting job back. Lillard did not even attempt a shot with Rozier as his primary defender. It was also a team effort, but Rozier held his own as the point-of-attack defender.

Related Posts

UNBELIEVABLE!! Juan Soto trolls Yankees, Mets with ‘announcement you’ve been waiting for’

With reports and rumors swirling that Juan Soto could be eyeing a $700 million contract on the free agent market this winter, all eyes are set on the future of the…

Bulls have a chance to advance in the NBA Cup, but at what cost?

The Chicago Bulls got their second win in the NBA Cup tournament on Tuesday against the Washington Wizards with a 127-108 win. Moving to 2-1 in the group stage,…

BREAKING: Steph Curry makes major statement after Warriors fail to close out Nets at home

Steph Curry offered his thoughts following the Golden State Warriors’ loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. The Warriors are in the midst of their worst stretch…

In a Hyde Park YMCA Tuesday night, Celtics’ Jaden Springer is a superstar

Springer might be one of the lesser-known Celtics on the championship roster, but on Tuesday afternoon at a jam-packed YMCA, it didn’t matter.

Reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown seemingly can’t get Kendrick Lamar out of his head, tweets popular GNX refrain

Boѕton Celtіcѕ ѕtar Jaylen Brown ѕeemѕ to be a bіg fan of Kendrіck Lamar’ѕ new album “GNX” and one of іtѕ hіt ѕongѕ, “TV Off.” Brown droррed one of the…

BREAKING: ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Points Out LeBron James’ Mistake Regarding Bronny James

News flash: LeBron James is a good basketball player. At nearly 40 years old, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar is having yet another stellar season. He’s as…