In front of an enthusiastic crowd in Mexico City, Bam Adebayo delivered a stellar performance to propel the Miami Heat to a convincing 118-98 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night. Adebayo not only scored a season-high 32 points but also dominated the boards, grabbing 14 rebounds, as the Heat captured their third win of the season in the 14th NBA regular-season game held in Mexico.
Adebayo was at his best early, pouring in 20 of his 32 points in the first half, setting the tone for Miami’s offense with efficient shooting. He hit 12 of his 24 shots from the field, blending power and finesse as he attacked the paint and showcased his mid-range touch. His performance was complemented by Jimmy Butler, who added 18 points, while Tyler Herro scored 15 and contributed to a crucial scoring run. Terry Rozier and Kel’el Ware added 12 and 15 points, respectively, giving Miami an all-around offensive edge.
For Jaime Jaquez Jr., this game had added significance as he played his first game in Mexico, his father’s home country. The crowd responded warmly to the rookie, who contributed eight points and showcased his skill and passion for the game in front of his ancestral home crowd.
Washington’s Bilal Coulibaly led his team with an impressive 22 points, continuing a strong four-game scoring streak. The 20-year-old showed promise and poise, building on his recent career-high 27-point performance against the Atlanta Hawks. Jordan Poole added 21 points, and Alexandre Sarr contributed 17 for Washington, who dropped to a 2-3 record with the loss.
Despite their best efforts, the Wizards struggled to contain Miami’s firepower and were significantly outrebounded, 65-44. Washington kept the game close early, but a second-quarter surge from Miami, sparked by Tyler Herro’s five-point burst during a 13-3 run, widened the gap to a 51-34 lead, putting the Heat comfortably ahead.
Bam Adebayo’s consistency remains pivotal for Miami. With this performance, Adebayo notched his 194th career double-double, putting him just 11 away from tying Alonzo Mourning for the second-most in franchise history. Miami’s dominant rebounding, led by Adebayo’s 14 boards, underscores their physical edge on the glass and a clear advantage over Washington.
Bilal Coulibaly is showing growth and potential, with a career-best four-game scoring streak of 15 points or more. As one of Washington’s emerging young stars, the French forward has found his rhythm early in the season, showing he could be a future cornerstone for the franchise.
Miami’s 65-44 advantage on the boards gave them second-chance points and crucial stops. Their control of the paint was a decisive factor in limiting Washington’s ability to stay competitive.
Miami’s decisive second-quarter burst, which included a 13-3 run, put the game out of Washington’s reach. Tyler Herro contributed five points during this run, helping Miami gain a commanding 17-point lead just before halftime.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted the league’s commitment to expanding its international presence, announcing a new agreement to bring more NBA games to Mexico in the future. The NBA has increasingly emphasized its presence in Latin America, and the Mexico City game is part of an ongoing effort to grow the sport’s global appeal.
Looking ahead, the Wizards will host the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, eager to bounce back after their loss. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat return to Miami to face the Sacramento Kings, hoping to build on their Mexico City success and continue their winning momentum.
