Heat vs. 76ers Takeaways: Bam Adebayo's Efforts Silenced By Tyrese Maxey

A look at five of the biggest takeaways from the Miami Heat's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers

Author:
Anthony Pasciolla
Mar 19, 2024 8:21 AM EDT

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The Miami Heat's fourth-quarter comeback was cut short by the Philadelphia 76ers, who walked away victorious on Monday, 98-91.

Here's a look at five major takeaways:

1. Bam Adebayo's efforts weren't enough for Miami.

Adebayo seemingly impacted each play in the opening quarter, but it couldn't translate to success. As the Heat trailed by eight points after the first, a small comeback before halftime gave them hope. However, Adebayo's push could not overcome a poor stretch out of the break. He finished the night with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists on 8 of 10 shooting. Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey mentioned the importance of "containing Bam" at halftime, which was executed enough to walk away victorious.

2. Maxey brought the Heat back to reality.

Two consecutive victories over the No. 14-seeded Detroit Pistons are not a reason to celebrate. So the 76ers star put their winning streak to rest on Monday evening. Maxey is a favorite to win the Most Improved Player award, stepping up in the absence of reigning MVP Joel Embiid. He scored 30 points along with 10 assists and eight rebounds on 45.8 percent shooting.

3. Terry Rozier thrived in the final quarter but must improve on his catch-and-shoot style of offense.

The Heat are sometimes forced to rely on three-point shooting to make their way back into a game. Rozier appears more comfortable shooting in one-on-one isolation situations than in catch-and-shoot. This aspect of his game was on full display in the final quarter as he nailed back-to-back three-pointers to close the Sixers lead. In lineups alongside Butler and Adebayo, who force defensive collapses inside, Rozier must have the potential to knock down shots from outside at a moment's notice. He recorded 20 points and eight rebounds on 38.1 percent shooting and 3 of 7 shooting from three-point range.

4. Kelly Oubre Jr. was a flawless substitute in the absence of Tobias Harris.

Harris is one of the most criticized stars across the NBA in recent months for his disappointing level of play. Oubre had no problem performing at a high rate in his place. He concluded the evening with 22 points and 11 rebounds on 52.6 percent shooting. His aggressiveness on offense down the stretch was crucial for them to come away with the win.

5. Kyle Lowry and Caleb Martin hustled more than anyone on the floor.

The two hardest-working players on the court were Lowry and Martin. The former Heat guard was all over the place, even diving over the announcer booth in hopes of saving a loose ball. He scored 16 points, along with two steals and one block. Meanwhile, Martin's energy was nothing short of incredible. His box score showed four steals and a block, but it doesn't do justice to the full extent of his impact.