The Miami Heat secured a 133-121 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers during NBA Cup group play on Friday night.
“The dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo” each contributed 37 points to the victory, according to ClutchPoints.
Antetokounmpo shot 15 of 20 from the field and added nine rebounds, while Adebayo recorded 14 rebounds and three assists.
The win marks a significant turnaround for Miami, which started the season with an 0-4 record but has since won six of its last eight games.
“There’s going to be games that are going to look like this,” Antetokounmpo said regarding the team’s offensive rhythm, as reported by ClutchPoints.
He added that his teammate is “one of the most versatile bigs” he has played with in the league.
Adebayo emphasized the importance of defensive intensity in the team’s success.
“I feel like we can really be dominant when we bring that type of force to the game,” Adebayo said, per the reporting from ClutchPoints.
The team also benefited from the performance of guard Davion Mitchell, who tallied 22 points and matched a career-high with 17 assists.
Miami out-rebounded Cleveland 46-36 and dominated second-chance points with a 21-4 advantage.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra praised the physicality displayed by his star players throughout the contest.
“That’s a lot of force that they’re putting on the opponent in the paint,” Spoelstra stated, according to ClutchPoints.
The Heat are scheduled to continue their season on Saturday night with a game against the Detroit Pistons.
Miami aims to extend its current winning streak to four games as the team continues to develop its identity.