5 reasons the Miami Heat can win 2022 NBA Championship

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 15: Head coach Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat look on against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at FTX Arena on January 15, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 07: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Houston Rockets during the first half at FTX Arena on March 07, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

4. Bam Adebayo is a defensive superstar

In the regular season, Adebayo’s defense is something of an acquired taste. He isn’t a classic center who protects the rim with ferocity. Instead, Adebayo does his best work moving his feet on the perimeter and using great position to his advantage.

That sort of defense isn’t overly appreciated on a night-to-night basis when coaches keep their schemes largely the same from game to game. It is, however, a huge premium in tense playoff series where coaches hunt advantageous matchups for their offensive players at every opportunity.

The Heat benefit massively by having a versatile big like Adebayo who can hold up on the perimeter. Spoelstra and his staff know they can switch their starting center onto perimeter players without hesitation. That reality gives Miami more defensive versatility than their opponents enjoy.

Adebayo isn’t going to lead the Heat in scoring during any postseason series, but he still may be the team’s most important player. His ability to switch onto any opposing ballhandler and suffocate their driving lanes could key Miami to another title.

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