Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo did not receive much sympathy after he complained about the officiating in his team’s loss Saturday.
The Heat fell to the Orlando Magic 121-117 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Fla. on Saturday. The team was aggrieved at being called for a five second violation on an inbounds play with 36.6 seconds left in the game, depriving them of a chance to get back to within one possession. After the game, several players felt that they were not actually given the full five seconds to inbound the ball.
Adebayo was one of those who vented about the officating and bemoaned the fact that referees do not have to face the media after mistakes like players do. That did not go down with social media users who were quick to point out that Adebayo shot 43 free throws as part of his 83-point effort last Tuesday.
You just took 43 free throws. Maybe give it a week before you complain about the officiating. https://t.co/pTHqxncwhH
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) March 15, 2026
This is coming from a guy who shot an NBA record amount of free throws this week. https://t.co/znNJqOtE3t
— Wingspan Whisperer (@FmrTankCommandr) March 15, 2026
— DennisChiu🇭🇰🇯🇵 (@DennisChiuHK) March 15, 2026
after how he got that 83 this guy should never complain about refs again.
— Juice Bigalow (@J20s1) March 15, 2026
Adebayo was not even complaining about being deprived of free throws, but the narrative has already settled in. Many critics have argued that Adebayo’s 43 trips to the line cheapened his 83-point performance and will not be giving him any sympathy going forward, whether it would be deserved or not.
The Heat have made it clear that they find the criticism of Adebayo ridiculous. Fair or not, though, they will not be getting the benefit of the doubt from fans on officiating matters anytime soon.
