Bam Adebayo exits early with left foot injury as Heat fall to Nuggets
Injury and Game Context
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, a three-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive Team member, left Wednesday night’s match against the Denver Nuggets late in the first quarter after feeling pain in his left foot. Before the game, he was averaging 22.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
The Heat struggled without Adebayo, particularly in the paint, as the Nuggets capitalized on their size and rebounding advantage. Denver closed out the game with a 122–112 win at Ball Arena.
Postgame Notes
Adebayo was seen limping after the game and is expected to undergo further testing on Thursday.
“We’ll figure it out,” Adebayo said.
His absence allowed the Nuggets to dominate the boards, outrebounding Miami 61–38, including 21–5 on offensive rebounds. It was Denver’s highest rebounding total since May 5, 2021.
Jokic’s Performance and Team Reaction
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 33 points, 16 assists, and 15 rebounds, earning his fifth triple-double of the season. His presence dictated the tempo, especially after Adebayo’s early exit.
“Definitely tough,” Heat guard Norman Powell said. “I thought we had a good rhythm to start the game, good flow, good energy, good pop to us. I didn’t see what happened, but it was just tough.”
Game Outcome
The Nuggets controlled the boards and maintained their lead throughout, sealing a solid 122–112 victory over the short-handed Heat.
Author’s Summary: Adebayo’s early foot injury left the Miami Heat vulnerable inside, allowing Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets to dominate rebounds and secure a decisive 122–112 win.