The Miami Heat didn't have an easy path towards a win in Game 3 against the Boston Celtics. But they were able to pull it off thanks to an unsung hero – one who didn't even play.
Heat fans know just how important Udonis Haslem has been to the franchise. The 19-year NBA veteran once again showed his value as his fingerprints seemed to be all over their Game 3 win.
The largest impact he had was with All-Star center Bam Adebayo. The Heat big man was a man among boys on Saturday, playing as if a fuse had suddenly been lit within him. After scoring just 16 points combined in Games 1 and 2, he erupted for 31 points in Game 3.
After the game, Adebayo revealed that it was none other than Udonis Haslem that brought out his inner beast.
Via Ruthie Polinsky:
No surprise here, but Udonis Haslem is the person Bam Adebayo points to as someone who was in his ear to be more aggressive offensively. “He impacts the game so much with out even being on the floor.”
No surprise here, but Udonis Haslem is the person Bam points to as someone who was in his ear to be more aggressive offensively. “He impacts the game so much with out even being on the floor.” pic.twitter.com/8TqP09u8nS
— Ruthie Polinsky (@ruthiepolinsky) May 22, 2022
Given that Jimmy Butler was unable to suit up in the second half for Miami due to his lingering knee injury, Bam Adebayo's breakout game could not have come at a better time.
Even Kyle Lowry couldn't keep Udonis Haslem out of his mouth during the postgame presser. The point guard spoke out on UD's constant message to embrace Heat culture and the hard work that comes built into it.
“We found a way. Something about this team is that we have guys that are just hard workers. Udonis always says we all got it the hard way,” said Lowry.
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