BAM ADEBAYO ADDRESSES CRITICISM AFTER MIAMI HEAT LOSS

Bam Adebayo addressed criticism of his shooting after the Miami Heat lost 113-109 to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. The result left Miami without a win in its first four games of the NBA season. Game figures put Adebayo on eight points, eight rebounds and three assists against Dallas. He made three of 10 field-goal attempts and missed all five of his three-point attempts. “Funny how the outside noise wants to make me the scapegoat,” Adebayo said after the game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 29 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists for Miami, according to the game figures. The Heat also missed 11 free throws in a match decided by four points. Adebayo has scored fewer than 10 points in two of Miami’s first four games. His reported field-goal percentage stands at 40% for the season so far. Last season, he made 31.8% of his three-point attempts while averaging 5.5 attempts per game.

Adebayo said he had expectations of himself and knew what he was capable of doing. He said he would not overthink his missed shots. Erik Spoelstra, identified as Miami’s head coach, said of Adebayo: “He just needs to see the ball go in.” Dwyane Wade watched Monday’s game from courtside. Miami’s next scheduled game is against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, when the Heat will seek their first win of the season.