The Miami Heat clinched their best win of the season by defeating the league-best Cleveland Cavaliers 122-113 tonight, but it led to some on-court arguments at the end of the game.
Terry Rozier and Bam Adebayo fought hard for a defensive rebound, prompting Adebayo to yell at Rozier for messing up his rebounds. Rozier responded by telling Adebayo to let him get his 10th rebound for a double-double, as Bam already had a double-double to his name.
Bam Adebayo: “You keep f***ing up my boards”
Terry Rozier: “I got 9 rebounds, you already got your double-double. Let me get my sh*t”
This was a harmless moment at the end of a win between the players who had miscommunications on the court. It’s an inarguable reality that NBA players’ numbers end up impacting their eventual contracts in a major way, so Rozier wanted to get a double-double to his name as it would help him down the road when he’s a free agent in 2026.
Adebayo ended the night with 16 points (7-14 FG), 13 rebounds, and six assists while Rozier had 14 points (6-14 FG) and nine rebounds, falling short of his double-double goal. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 34 points (10-19 FG), six rebounds, and seven assists while Jimmy Butler put up 18 points (6-12 FG) and five assists.
The Cavaliers struggled with Evan Mobley leaving the game after just 11 minutes, as Donovan Mitchell struggled and scored just 12 points (5-16 FG). Darius Garland had 23 points (9-19 FG) while Jarrett Allen had a disappointing six points (3-7 FG) and seven rebounds. The Cavaliers had four bench players score double digits, but it wasn’t enough.
Arguing over something like this at the end of a win is one thing, but it does worry fans who wonder if these players are keeping similar statistical achievements in their minds when they’re supposed to do everything to ensure the team wins. Given how ‘Heat Culture’ is, it’s hard to say either Rozier or Bam were trying to be selfish as the result of the game was almost sealed.
Rozier is averaging 12.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, coming off the bench in eight of 20 games this season, while Adebayo is averaging 16.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in a down year.
The Heat have gotten their season under control with a series of three impressive wins in a row to climb above .500 and become an Eastern Conference Playoff threat. This was only the fourth loss Cleveland has suffered this season as they’ve emerged this season as the best team in the NBA out of seemingly nowhere.
The Heat’s roster from last season’s first-round exit is nearly identical, prompting many to be tepid about their success this season. After an average start, the Heat are shooting up the standings as part of their current win streak. They’re currently the No. 5 seed and three games behind state rivals Orlando Magic for the No. 3 seed in the East.
