Bam Adebayo voiced his frustration with the officiating after the Miami Heat’s 106-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
The Heat center, who finished with 29 points and 13 rebounds, criticized the referees for what he perceived as a lack of respect throughout the game. His frustration peaked after the final play when he missed a contested three-pointer that could have tied or won the game.
“Wasn’t even about the last play. It was throughout the whole game,” Adebayo said postgame, via Zachary Weinberger. “I don’t really get too confrontational. I don’t really get into it with the refs… have the decency enough to look me in my eyes when I’m having a conversation.”
Adebayo took issue with a late-game sequence where he believed he was fouled by Julius Randle but received no call. When he attempted to speak with an official afterward, he was met with silence.
“I don’t understand why they think we can’t be emotional,” Adebayo added. “Stuff is happening in the game… have the decency enough to look a man in his eyes, not walk away like that, to me, is utterly disrespectful in a man’s game.”
Miami, now 29-33 and seventh in the Eastern Conference, suffered its third loss in four games. Tyler Herro contributed 22 points, while Duncan Robinson added 15, including a crucial three-pointer that brought the Heat within two in the final seconds.
Minnesota (36-29) extended its winning streak to four games, led by a balanced attack. Mike Conley, Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo each scored 15 points, while Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Randle chipped in 13 apiece.
Edwards, who averages 27.5 points per game, had an uncharacteristically quiet night, taking just 10 shots and making four. Despite that, the Timberwolves had seven players in double figures, showcasing their depth.
Minnesota led 106-101 after Edwards split a pair of free throws with eight seconds left. Robinson’s late three gave Miami one last chance when Conley’s inbounds pass went out of bounds. However, Adebayo’s last-second attempt missed, sealing the loss.
Reid’s three-pointer with 4:42 left put the Timberwolves ahead for good at 98-95. He followed with a hook shot, helping Minnesota maintain control down the stretch.
McDaniels shot 6-for-12, marking his fifth straight game above 50%. Randle nearly recorded a triple-double with 10 rebounds and nine assists.
For the Heat, the defeat adds to their struggles as they fight for playoff positioning. Adebayo’s comments highlight growing frustration with officiating as Miami looks to regroup for the season’s final stretch.
