Bam Adebayo delivered a dominant performance as the Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers 124-111 in NBA Cup action. Adebayo led the way with 30 points and 11 rebounds, scoring 17 points in the decisive fourth quarter.
The Heat improved their NBA Cup record to 1-1 and now sit at 5-6 for the season. Tyler Herro added 20 points, while Kevin Love and Haywood Highsmith chipped in with 15 and 14 points, respectively. Love was instrumental in the third quarter, scoring 13 consecutive points to help Miami build a double-digit lead.
Obi Toppin came off the bench to lead the Pacers with 21 points. Tyrese Haliburton contributed 18 points and eight assists for Indiana, which fell to 5-7 overall. This was the Pacers’ first NBA Cup game of the season after reaching the final in the inaugural tournament last year.
Miami capitalized on Indiana’s defensive struggles, particularly in the second half. The Heat exploited lapses in perimeter coverage and scored efficiently in the paint.
Miami’s bench also provided valuable support, with Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. combining for 21 points and 9 rebounds.
Love’s breakout game stood out as a key moment for Miami. The veteran forward, playing in only his third game this season, sparked the Heat with his third-quarter scoring spree. Love’s efficient shooting helped Miami extend its lead to 22 points before Indiana mounted a brief rally.
The Heat’s ability to convert on opportunities at the foul line proved crucial. Miami shot 82.6% from the stripe, compared to Indiana’s 81.8%, but their ten additional attempts created a significant advantage. Adebayo’s 8-for-9 free-throw shooting further cemented his impact on the game.
Indiana’s bench, highlighted by Toppin and T.J. McConnell, provided a much-needed offensive boost. However, turnovers and missed defensive assignments hampered the Pacers’ ability to close the gap. Miami forced Indiana into 20 turnovers, leading to 23 Heat points.
