“We will focus on those who are with us for the moment.” This is what Bam Adebayo said before the match against Jazz about the state of mind of the group after the announcement of the sidelining and suspension of Jimmy Butler. There is little chance that we will see the All-Star guard/winger again in the Heat jersey, and for his teammates, we must move on.
“It’s disappointing to see a franchise come into conflict with a player” continues Bam Adebayo. “It's none of our business, and it's up to Jimmy and management to handle it. I have the feeling he didn't want to be sidelined. But like I said, we developed a system where you rely on everyone, and we just had to figure out how to integrate it. But after what happened yesterday, we are focused on those who are with us now. »
Erik Spoelstra tries to silence the rumors
For Erik Spoelstra, it is about re-mobilizing a group which was already not at its best on a sporting and mental level. “I want to silence everything that can disturb us. Enough has been said. We have a clear vision. We're just going to focus on this group in the locker room. That's what I want them to focus on, and keep the noise as low as possible. I'm not a sensational coach, so you won't get anything else from me. We have a mission to accomplish. »
A mission that started in the worst possible way with a 36-point defeat at home against Jazz! This is the 6th biggest home defeat in franchise history.
“There is no excuse for that.” warns Erik Spoelstra. “We took this match lightly, and we have to get back to work! I think our inability to contain the ball was a determining factor, whatever system we used. They moved away from their classic attack in the first half and just played isolation and tried to attack us off the dribble and one-on-one. And if you're constantly getting dominated and providing help to defenders, it's going to weaken your back and it's a big team.”
A “road trip” of six matches in the West
Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro transparent, the Heat couldn't get out of it. “It was obviously not what we had imagined and prepared, and we must try to forget all that” reacts the rear. “I think you can always get something out of a meeting, and I’m going to try to find that…”
What’s next? A “road trip” of six matches in the West. Without Jimmy Butler therefore, and to challenge the Kings, the Warriors, the Jazz, the Blazers and finally the Clippers and the Lakers. The return to Miami is scheduled for January 17 for the reception of the Nuggets. This will be the end of Jimmy Butler's suspension, if he's still here…
