NBA: Bam Adebayo out of slump as Heat entertain Celtics

Bam Adebayo may have rediscovered his All-Star form.

Adebayo, who will lead the Miami Heat on Thursday night against the visiting Boston Celtics, had been struggling over the past couple of weeks. During an eight-game stretch, he averaged just 10.9 points on 36.8% shooting from the floor.

But on Tuesday, in a 127-121 win over the visiting Phoenix Suns, Adebayo poured in a game-high 29 points on 11-of-15 shooting (73.3%). He was particularly dominant late in the fourth quarter, scoring 13 consecutive Heat points.

"He's our engine," Heat reserve Jaime Jaquez Jr. said. "He's the heart of this team. I'm so happy for him to have a game like this. He was due."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra praised Adebayo’s performance, saying he "earned" his big game because of his defensive efforts even before his fourth-quarter offensive explosion.

"The ball found the right karma," Spoelstra said. "He's a great competitor in this league."

Adebayo also moved into second place on the franchise's all-time scoring list with 9,461 points, passing Alonzo Mourning (9,459). Dwyane Wade (21,556) still holds the club record.

The only setback for Miami in Tuesday’s game was a shoulder injury to starting point guard Davion Mitchell, who took a hard pick from Suns center Mark Williams. Mitchell is listed as doubtful for Thursday’s matchup.

Spoelstra also commented on the growing chemistry between his two most dynamic scorers: Norman Powell, a newcomer this season, and Tyler Herro, who has battled injuries.

"Give us a little bit of time... it will get better," Spoelstra said. "We love the pairing because the other team has to make decisions—who are you putting on who? The synergy will be there if we play the way we need to play."

Meanwhile, the Celtics are experiencing a slump. After winning five of six games, Boston was held to 95 and 96 points in consecutive losses.

On Monday, the Celtics fell 98-96 to the Indiana Pacers, one of the NBA's weaker teams. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla repeatedly cited a final-seconds uncalled "illegal screen," mentioning it six times in his postgame remarks. Adding to Boston’s struggles, Jaylen Brown, tied for fifth in the NBA with 29.5 points per game, missed the contest due to back spasms.

The Celtics did, however, beat the Heat 129-116 in Boston last month in the teams' only meeting this season. Derrick White (33 points) and Brown (30 points, nine rebounds, seven assists) led Boston in that game.

White, one of the league's most underrated players, averages 18.6 points, 5.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals. His consistent play has helped keep the Celtics in playoff contention despite Jayson Tatum being out for the season with an Achilles injury.

Another Celtic stepping up is Payton Pritchard, who is averaging career highs in points (17.0) and assists (5.3). Pritchard, who started only 17 games over his first five years in the league, has started all 39 games for Boston this season.

"Starting has been a little bit of an adjustment," Pritchard told NBC Sports. "I hadn't started full-time since college. I've had to figure out the feel, how to get my teammates involved, and how to get to my spots."

—Field Level Media/Reuters