Bam Adebayo became the Miami Heat’s all-time rebound leader in a 129-117 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, surpassing Udonis Haslem’s 5,791 rebounds with 5,794 in the game.
Bam Adebayo became the Miami Heat’s all-time rebound leader during a 129-117 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. The 29-year-old center surpassed Udonis Haslem’s 5,791 rebounds, a record held since November 2012, by grabbing nine boards in the game. Adebayo finished with 24 points on 50% shooting, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals in 33 minutes, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest players.
A Historic Moment for Adebayo
Adebayo’s achievement came in his 10th season with the Heat, a journey that started in 2017 after he was selected 14th overall in the NBA Draft. The person I’m passing has been so close to me throughout my 10 years in this career, from the time I walked in until now,
Adebayo said after the game, referencing Haslem, who played 20 seasons with the Heat and served as the team’s captain before Adebayo assumed the role. Haslem, who retired, was present at the game, and the two shared a meaningful moment in the locker room.
We have a NEW rebounding king 👑Bam Adebayo (5,792) has officially passed Udonis Haslem for the most rebounds in Miami HEAT history 💪 pic.twitter.com/E79aYhD9fI
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra praised Adebayo’s milestone, calling it so well-deserved.
He highlighted the physicality of Adebayo’s rebounds, noting, That’s a lot of rebounds in traffic, getting hit, banged in there. To be able to do it and break the record of his brother, UD, that’s a really special moment.
Adebayo’s record-breaking performance also underscored his role as a cornerstone of the Heat, which includes recently acquired superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The game marked the Heat’s first win of the season, improving their record to 1-4, while the Hawks dropped to 2-3. Antetokounmpo, acquired from Milwaukee in the offseason, contributed 24 points and 18 rebounds in his first win with the Heat. His presence provided a stark contrast to the team’s 0-4 start, with Spoelstra emphasizing the importance of resilience. We’ve been able to handle some adversity appropriately,
Spoelstra said. Nobody was hanging their heads when they came in the next day.
The Heat’s victory was fueled by their dominance in the paint, where they outrebounded the Hawks 52-40 and scored 70 points in the paint.
Antetokounmpo’s Role in Heat Win
Andrew Wiggins added 18 points, while Pelle Larsson chipped in 17 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. The Heat shot 53% from the field and 65% in the first quarter, capitalizing on early momentum. Despite a late rally from the Hawks, who got 23 points from rookie Kingston Flemings, the Heat’s interior strength proved decisive. The Hawks struggled to match Miami’s physicality.
Source 5 notes that the Heat’s starting five included Adebayo, Antetokounmpo, Wiggins, Thompson, and Davion Mitchell, while two-way players Keshad Johnson, Tre Donaldson, and Vlad Goldin remained inactive. The Hawks’ struggles were compounded by Jalen Johnson’s performance: he recorded 12 points on 4-for-12 shooting, 11 assists, and nine rebounds but was a -23 on the court. His detrimental effect was evident, as the Hawks’ offensive rating dropped by 64 points when he was on the floor, and their defensive rating improved by 13 points when he was off.
#HEATWin Final: HEAT 129, Hawks 117🔥 Antetokounmpo: 24pts, 18rebs🔥 Adebayo: 24pts, 9rebs, 3stls🔥 Wiggins: 18pts, 2blks🔥 Larsson: 17pts, 6rebs, 8asts🔥 Hardaway Jr.: 14pts, 2blks🔥 Portis Jr.: 11pts, 9rebs, 2stls🔥 Mitchell: 10pts, 10asts, 2stls
Hawks coach Quin Snyder acknowledged the Heat’s strength, stating, They’re going to win a lot of games this year, I have no doubt about that,
before the game. Despite Snyder’s confidence, the Hawks’ lack of frontcourt presence became a critical issue. They had no physical presence inside, lacked rebounding in the frontcourt, and had no rim protection. The Heat’s 70 points in the paint highlighted the gap, as the Hawks’ inability to contain Adebayo and Antetokounmpo proved costly.
Adebayo’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
Adebayo’s record-breaking performance marked a turning point for the Heat, who had struggled to find consistency in their first five games. The victory provided a much-needed boost as the team aims to build on this momentum. Adebayo, who also ranks second in Heat history in scoring and third in assists, remains a vital piece of the puzzle. I came into this league just wanting to make an impact, leave a mark,
Adebayo said. And to pass some of the people who have been with me on this journey, can’t do anything but thank God but also appreciate the people that have been around me.
The Hawks, meanwhile, face growing concerns after their third straight loss. Their struggles in the frontcourt were highlighted, noting the team’s inability to match the Heat’s physicality. Rookie Kingston Flemings provided a silver lining, scoring a career-high 23 points, adding five rebounds and five assists off the bench. His performance was a bright spot, as he finished 9-for-12 from the field and 3-for-5 from three, marking a significant step forward in his NBA career.
Flemings’ impact was further highlighted by his inclusion in the Hawks’ closing lineup over veteran CJ McCollum. However, the team’s overall lack of depth and inconsistency in key areas left them vulnerable. Source 3 notes that the Hawks’ offensive rating was nearly 64 points better when Jalen Johnson was off the court, and their defensive rating improved by 13 points. This data highlights the challenges the Hawks face in finding a cohesive identity.
Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, has thrived on his new team, averaging 27.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. His 18 rebounds in the game were a season-high, showcasing his ability to dominate the glass. The Heat’s success hinges on his contributions, as well as Adebayo’s leadership. With the team now 1-4, the focus shifts to maintaining this momentum and addressing weaknesses in the roster.
The Hawks’ next game is against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Heat will look to build on their first win as they continue their season. Adebayo’s historic achievement and Antetokounmpo’s early impact suggest the team is on the right path, but challenges remain in sustaining consistency.
I came into this league just wanting to make an impact, leave a mark,
Adebayo said. And to pass some of the people who have been with me on this journey, can’t do anything but thank God but also appreciate the people that have been around me.
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