Bam Adebayo had a dominant performance in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, leading the Heat to a victory over the Nuggets.
Adebayo finished the game with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks (although one was potentially goaltending) and he was massively helpful to secure the win.
Following the game, Adebayo spoke with ESPN’s Lisa Salters about his performance. It was a standard walk-off interview from someone who just evened the win count in a championship series.
After the conversation with Salters, however, the broadcast also captured an exchange in which Adebayo was very frustrated with someone.
(WARNING: These videos contain some language not safe for work.)
Bam Adebayo wasn't too happy with somebody postgame😳 pic.twitter.com/0jqbIs3nqx
— Backcourt Alerts (@BackcourtAlerts) June 5, 2023
ABC’s broadcast only picked up some of the audio, though it was obvious he wasn’t happy.
An alternate telecast, however, more clearly picked up what the big man said.
Bam voices discontent with handling of short-notice postgame on-court interview. pic.twitter.com/CashFAU7KK
— hoops bot (@hoops_bot) June 5, 2023
It was not one hundred percent clear what Adebayo said, but it seemed like it went something like this:
STAFFER: I’m sorry that you had to do two and Jimmy [indecipherable].
ADEBAYO: Bro, what did I tell you about that, bro? What? Bro? Stop doing that [expletive], bro.
STAFFER: It’s my fault. It’s my fault.
ADEBAYO: You’re good.
STAFFER: It’s not Michael’s fault. It’s not Michael’s fault. It’s my fault.
ADEBAYO: Stop doing that [expletive], man.
While we do not know exactly what happened, the most likely scenario is that after Adebayo was asked to do his walk-off interview with Salters, he was then asked to do another interview hit.
Adebayo, perhaps, only wanted to do one of the interviews. Because the staffer mentioned Jimmy Butler, perhaps Butler was originally supposed to do the other media availability but left beforehand.
For those wondering, it appears to me as if Jimmy Butler was supposed to do 1 of the 2 on-court interviews, but he left right away.
Bam Adebayo was left do to both, and I think that’s what he wasn’t happy about. Don’t think there’s anything else here. pic.twitter.com/qvZxUD4TzB
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) June 5, 2023
Regardless of what caused the confusion, it was likely resolved fast because Adebayo appeared much happier during his postgame press conference while discussing his teammate Gabe Vincent.
