The Miami Heat suffered a tight 106-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, and after the game, star center Bam Adebayo was not happy with the referees. As it turns out, his actions warranted him a strict punishment, which the NBA announced on Saturday afternoon.
Adebayo had the ball late in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie or take the lead for the Heat, but he fired up a three-pointer that missed. Miami's big man thought he was fouled by Julius Randle, and attempted to talk to the refs after the game. As he relayed in his postgame press conference, though, his efforts were in vain.
"It wasn't even about the last play. It was throughout the whole game," Adebayo said. "I don't really get too confrontational. I don't really get into it with the refs because it's like, it's their jobs, and it's our job to at the end of the day like, dudes fighting for everything on the line. So it's like, to me, have the decency enough to look me in my eyes when I'm having a conversation."
According to Adebayo, he was simply trying to have a conversation with a referee about a call he didn't like. The NBA wasn't too fond of his actions it seems, as they announced that the three-time All-Star had been fined $50,000 for directing profane language towards an official.
The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/WHC9CEMrqt
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 8, 2025
With Jimmy Butler forcing his way out of town, Adebayo has become Miami's anchor this year, and he's turning in another stellar campaign. Through 60 games, Adebayo is averaging 17.7 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 49% percent from the field.
The Heat will have to get over this loss quickly, as they will be back in action on Saturday night for the second night of a back-to-back when they take on the Chicago Bulls at 8 p.m. EST.
Related: Why Miami Heat Suspended Jimmy Butler Indefinitely Ahead of Trade Deadline
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This story was originally published March 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM.