Miami Heat 106-93 Brooklyn Nets: 5 talking points as Bam Adebayo’s timely offense and the Heat’s unforgiving defense overwhelm the Nets

#3 The Miami Heat lords it over the board and the paint

The Miami Heat's relentless rebounding was critical in keeping the Brooklyn Nets' offense at bay [Photo: Sportscasting]

Coming into the game, the Miami Heat averaged 51.7 caroms a game, which is the fourth-best in the league. They dominated the boards, particularly on the offensive end, where it was an 11-1 advantage for the Heat in the first half alone.

The discrepancy allowed the Heat extra possessions, which contributed greatly to the team’s offensive production. Miami’s effort on the boards was very evident in this game. Their scrappy identity was displayed by jostling for positions, gang rebounding and box-outs.

The Miami Heat’s concerted effort to go after rebounds on both ends of the floor paid dividends in crucial moments of the game. When it seemed like the Brooklyn Nets were going to gain momentum with a minor run, the Heat’s unrelenting pressure on the boards just made too much of a difference.

Miami's 62 rebounds to 42 for the Brooklyn Nets was a big part of the story in the game. A 17-4 offensive rebounding edge in favor of the Miami Heat was just too much to overcome.

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#2 The Brooklyn Nets need James Harden to step up

James Harden is still struggling with his game, five games into the season for the Brooklyn Nets

In 36 minutes of play, James Harden had 14 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. He also had 4 turnovers, and the Brooklyn Nets were outscored by the Miami Heat by 12 points in the minutes that The Beard was on the floor.

Except for a quick flurry in the second quarter that included a four-point play, he was generally a non-factor in the game. The Brooklyn Nets and the Miami Heat got glimpses of the usual Harden in that second-quarter outburst. He was a big reason why the Nets momentarily grabbed the lead.

The Miami Heat defense shut him down in the second half, though. He finished with just three points in the next 24 minutes. Harden's tricks in getting fouls are almost out of habit, but the refs just would not blow the whistle.

The former NBA leader in free throws made and attempted tried hooking Bam Adebayo's arms several times in the game but never got the call he used to. His subtle foot swings when shooting are still there, but they got him nothing.

If James Harden can't adjust to the new rules, the Brooklyn Nets will find it rough sailing throughout the season.

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#1 The Brooklyn Nets still have no answer for Bam Adebayo

The Brooklyn Nets have yet to solve the Bam Adebayo puzzle [Photo: Sun Sentinel]

In three games against the Brooklyn Nets last season, Bam Adebayo totaled 29.3 points, 10 rebounds and 6.3 assists while hitting 60% of his field goals. He also had a game-winner against the Nets in April.

In this game, the Miami Heat's starting center ended up with 24 points and 9 rebounds. He converted 8-17 field goal attempts. Many of his points came in the fourth quarter when the Brooklyn Nets tried a last-ditch effort to win the game. His defense in this game was a telling difference.

Adebayo's defense at the rim changed several shots while effortlessly switching onto James Harden and Kevin Durant on the perimeter. Adebayo as the last line of defense, with Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry on the perimeter, is just a nightmare to score against.

It's safe to say that Bam Adebayo has owned the Brooklyn Nets in the last few games.