Miami is 0-4 after Monday’s 113-109 loss to Dallas, and Bam Adebayo says he feels cast as the scapegoat for the Heat’s struggles. His early-season production is down sharply, while new teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo has delivered big numbers; Antetokounmpo says the team is still working out how to play together.

By the Numbers
  • Miami is 0-4, including a 113-109 loss to Dallas.
  • Adebayo is averaging 11.8 points and 7.3 rebounds, and shooting 16.7% from 3-point range.
  • Last season, Adebayo averaged 20.1 points and 10 rebounds per game.
  • Antetokounmpo recorded 29 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists Monday.
  • Adebayo scored 83 points in one game in March, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history.
Yes, But

Adebayo’s frustration with the blame is understandable: the Heat’s poor start is a team problem, and Antetokounmpo says the roster is still adjusting to its new roles. But Adebayo’s own shooting and scoring have dipped substantially, making his performance part of the scrutiny—even if it doesn’t explain the team’s record on its own.

State of Play
  • Miami currently has the league’s worst record, though four other teams also remain winless.
  • The Heat face Atlanta on Wednesday; a loss would match their worst start since 2007-08.
  • Adebayo says he’s focused on getting his shot back and isn’t overthinking the outside criticism.
What's Next

Wednesday’s game offers Miami a chance to stop the skid and begin sorting out how Antetokounmpo and the rest of the roster fit together. A loss would deepen the urgency, though the season is still in its early stages.

Bottom Line

The Heat’s immediate challenge is bigger than finding a scapegoat: they need Adebayo to rebound from a slow start while the whole team builds chemistry around Antetokounmpo.