Bam Adebayo Injured as Heat Fall to Jokic and Nuggets
The Miami Heat returned to Denver, a city where they have historically struggled, hoping to secure their first regular-season win there since 2016. Despite optimism, the night quickly turned sour.
Early Game Setback
Before tip-off, Miami received positive news: Kasparas Jakucionis was available and could make his NBA debut. However, the good news did not last. In the first quarter, Bam Adebayo stepped awkwardly on a handoff and screen to Norman Powell, injuring his left foot. He headed to the locker room and did not return for the rest of the game.
Coaching Challenges and Lineup Decisions
After Adebayo’s exit, the Heat bench was left scrambling for answers. Head coach Erik Spoelstra was already cautious about playing Kel’el Ware against Nikola Jokic, but the situation forced his hand. Ware showed effort fronting Jokic, yet Miami’s struggles on the boards became critical.
Rebounding Dominance
Denver completely controlled the glass. The Nuggets grabbed 14 offensive rebounds in the first half, while Miami managed just one. The rebounding gap highlighted Miami’s lack of size and interior presence without Adebayo.
Limited Depth
Once Ware sat down, it was clear Miami had no other real big man available. Two-way player Vlad Goldin remained with the Sioux Falls affiliate, leaving Keshad Johnson to fill in as backup center—a tough assignment against the reigning champions and Nikola Jokic.
“The 14 to 1 offensive rebound difference in the first half pretty much tells the story.”
Key Takeaway
Miami’s frontcourt depth and reliance on Adebayo were exposed in Denver, where Jokic and the Nuggets dominated physically from start to finish.
Author’s summary: Another injury setback struck the Miami Heat as Bam Adebayo’s early exit exposed the team’s lack of size and depth in a tough loss to the Denver Nuggets.