Odyssey Sims nailed a left-handed floater in the lane, lifting the Fever to their 21st win and sinking the Sparks perhaps out of the playoff race. It was her first visit back to LA against the team that waived her on July 2. Aside from the Fever exposing the paint for 52 digits, they outscored LA on second chances (16-5), on the break (13-10) and points off turnovers (23-8).

The Sparks had an early 10-point lead but that vanished quickly. The fourth quarter started with the Sparks ahead 58-57. Azura Stevens was a problem for the Fever as she barreled into the paint for two layups and downed a 3-pointer. But they keyed in on Rickea Jackson and Kelsey Plum, holding them to zero points on three second-half attempts. 

Sims totaled 21 points, including nine in the fourth quarter on runners in the lane and a wing triple, plus logged three assists and six boards. 

After the game, Sims said, “I haven’t been with the team long, but each practice, each game, [We’re] getting better. We have two other new players along with myself, so [we’re] continuing to gel, like [Boston] said… tonight wasn’t pretty, but the most important thing, we came out with the W.”

Aliyah Boston also scored six of her 22 points in the fourth quarter as the pendulum swung back and forth six times late. Notably, she missed her first five attempts but made her next 11 of 13 tries, including eight in a row between the first and third quarter.

Coach Stephanie White was pleased with her team’s defense and discipline. “The selfless nature of this group just can’t be overstated, and that’s why we are able to be in positions like this that we are able to be in.”

The Fever remain the sixth seed, three games ahead of ninth place (Sparks) and one in front of eighth (Valkyries), with five matches left on the calendar. Their games against the Sky (Sept. 5) and the Lynx (Sept. 9) will be in Indiana, but the others versus the Valkyries (Aug. 31), the Mercury (Sept. 2) and the Mystics (Sept. 7) are away.

Napheesa Collier returned from her seven-game absence (ankle), dicing coverages with jumpers and runners, reminding everyone that she was the MVP front-runner before her injury in the Minnesota Lynx’s win over the visiting Indiana Fever on Sunday. She racked up 32 points on 68.8% shooting, with nine rebounds plus two offerings and sat down as fewer than two minutes remained. 

The Lynx improved to 30-7, six games ahead of the Atlanta Dream, which has the second-best record in the league (24-13). Now with their best player back, the war path resumes for the WNBA championship at full speed.

Yet, A’ja Wilson should be in the lead for the MVP crown. The Aces were in the middle of an abysmal season because the team isn’t as strong as the ones of the past few years. They’ve since gone on a 10-game winning streak, leaping to the third seed of 13 teams. Coach Becky Hammon has sent Jewell Loyd to the bench and put Kiersten Bell in the starting lineup, but the biggest difference is that Wilson elevated her play.

Wilson is averaging 27 points on 50.3% shooting, with 12.8 rebounds and 2.5 dimes over the 10 straight wins. She’s playing at last year’s record-setting level and if she keeps up her scoring, is going to come close to another 1,000-point season. On top of that, she’s missed six fewer games, and her production is comparable to Collier’s. 

 Consider this: The Lynx went 5-2 without Collier because they are stacked at every position. Remove Wilson from the Aces’ lineup for seven straight games, and they probably lose all of them as they are 1-3 without her this season. 

Collier is ahead of Wilson in accuracy, logging a 58.5 effective field goal percentage to the latter’s 50.7 EFG%. Yet, Wilson’s team is not as deep, and opponents have more opportunities to load up on her. Furthermore, Wilson scores with less help inside the arc, as those shots are assisted 67.8% of the time, and Collier’s are 80.3%. All of Wilson’s triples are assisted, but she takes 1.4 nightly, making 0.4. Collier attempts 3.6, nailing 1.4 and 97.3% of those are helped.

Jonquel Jones won MVP in 2021, missing five games, the most by a winner. Yet that was when the season was shorter at 32 games, and she still logged 84.4% of them. Collier has missed 10 this season, and if she doesn’t miss any more, she’ll have recorded 77.3% of the matches. 

Wilson is a two-way force who creates overreactions easily. She is first in second chance points (3.9), tied for first with Collier in points off turnovers (4.4) and second in paint points behind Dearica Hamby (12.2). It might be enough to win her fourth MVP trophy in six seasons.

It is no question that Bam Adebayo is one of the NBA’s best defensive players, if not the best. He can guard all positions one-five on the interior and exterior of the court and has done so in the biggest moments. This past season Bam Adebayo was snubbed, left off an NBA All-Defensive team for the first time this decade, but the question I dive into today. Is how does Bam Adebayo become an All-NBA player, not just making the All-Defensive team.

Bam Adebayo is a max player, and a worthy one. Many of his statistics won’t show up in the box score and he has helped carry an immense load for a Heat team that has numerous holes defensively. But for Bam to get recognition around the league, where does he need to improve, what does he need to prove, and what is he already doing that isn’t viewed as importantly as it should be.

Now why do I ask the question? Well, Jeff Teague had some strong things to say about Bam Adebayo

“Bam been sliding under the radar. We putting the pressure on Bam. He gotta figure it out. He’s gotta be at 24 and 10. The 18 and 9 that’s solid numbers for a 3 option… he should be a dominant All NBA player next year” Jeff Teague via the Club520 Podcast.

Jeff Teague’s comments about Bam needing to average “24 and 10” to be considered a dominant, All-NBA player, while perhaps a bit of an exaggeration, highlight this reality. When you look at the short list of players who have averaged at least 24 points and 10 rebounds while also making an All-Defensive team, a list that includes legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, you see the company Bam is being measured against. These are not just great players; they’re all-time greats who were their team’s offensive engine and defensive anchor (they also all won the MVP in years they did this).

Credit to David for pointing this out.

What Does Bam Do Already?

Bam Adebayo’s Ranks in Miami Heat Franchise History:

• 4th in points

• 2nd in rebounds

• 3rd in assists

• 4th in steals

• 5th in blocks

• 1st in double-doubles

• 3rd in triple-doubles

1. He’s the Defensive Anchor Every Team Wants

Via @Dru_Star on X

“Bam might not get the credit that he is due because we got guys that score a lot more points. And that’s what people like. That’s pretty. That’s cute. But the one consistent piece that has kept that shit together is Bam.” –

w/ @TaylorRooks

2. Rare Two-Way Versatility

Offensively, Bam is more dynamic than he’s ever been. This season he averaged 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, while shooting a career-best 35.7% from three. He’s not just a dunker or mid-range shooter anymore—he’s stretching the floor and creating for others, becoming a true modern big.

Bam ranks highly in every major category and would only get better with some pressure taken off.

At 28, Bam is in his prime—and his game is still evolving. He’s the rare big who can initiate offense, run dribble-handoffs, hit timely jumpers, and score efficiently inside. And he does it while still being your best defender on the other end. That’s superstar-level versatility.

What is the Standard?

Well, last season was a down year for Bam much in part to a slow start causing him to miss out on an All Star selection. Bam will have to be much improved to be All-NBA, but it is achievable.

Last year the three big men were

1. Nikola Jokic- 29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 57.6% FG, 41.7% 3P, 80.0% FT, 66.3% TS, 17 triple-doubles.
2. Evan Mobley- 18.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 55.7% FG, 37.0% 3P, 72.5% FT, 60.4% eFG, DPOY
3. Karl Anthony Towns- 24.4 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 52.6% FG, 42% 3P, 82.9% FT, 58.4% eFG,

Bam- 18.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 48.5% FG, 35.7% 3P, 76.5% FT, 52.1% eFG,

Bam actually did receive one second place vote. 

So, Bam isn’t that far off, and definitely does not need to average 24/10 to be an All-NBA guy, but maybe the Heat just have to win more and Bam just has to be Bam.

In 2023, Bam’s best season he received just five votes, one second-team vote and four third-team votes. Adebayo was one of 10 players to receive votes without being named to an All-NBA team and still looks to add this to his already stout resume.

The Path to All-NBA

1. Become an Offensive Go-To Option. Especially in the Clutch

While he’s a skilled passer and efficient scorer, Bam needs to take on a larger offensive load. He’s already a fantastic in doing all the right things, but to get All-NBA recognition, he needs to expand his game as a primary scorer. This means a more consistent post-up game, a more reliable jumper, and the confidence to take over games offensively. The Heat need to trust him to be a featured scorer, not just a facilitator or third option. If Bam can unlock this level not only will the Heat get better, but the view of Bam across the league will improve. Consistency is key.

2. Change the Narrative

This is the hardest part. Bam’s value is often described in terms of “intangibles” and defensive impact, which don’t always translate into popular acclaim. He needs a breakout offensive season to force the conversation to be about more than just his defense. If he can consistently push his scoring into the low-to-mid 20s while maintaining his incredible defensive output, he would be impossible to ignore.

In the end, Bam Adebayo’s path to becoming an All-NBA player is about bridging the gap between his immense defensive value and the high-scoring expectations of the league. It’s a combination of personal growth, a change in how the Heat uses him, and a shift in how the league views a player who is a true superstar on both ends of the floor.

Bam had similar numbers to Evan Mobley, but the Cavs were worlds better than the Heat, in years prior Bam may have been snubbed, but this season Bam just needs to be consistent over 65+ games.

Final Thoughts

Bam’s defense has already cemented him as one of the defining big men of his generation. The numbers, the accolades, and the moments all back it up. But in a league obsessed with scoring, his path to All-NBA will come from pairing that defensive dominance with a clear jump in offensive production. A healthier, more balanced Heat roster can help him get there. With Norman Powell adding perimeter scoring/defense, growth from Kel’el Ware, and less burden on Bam to cover every defensive gap, he will have more energy and opportunity to assert himself as a go-to option on offense. If he can keep anchoring an elite defense while pushing his scoring into the low 20s, the votes will follow. The rest of the league may still be catching up to how rare his two-way impact is, but when they do, the All-NBA recognition will come because Bam Adebayo has been that player all along.

The trilogy concluded with Katie Taylor claiming her third straight win over Amanda Serrano, keeping her junior welterweight championships with a majority decision in a bout that was the opposite of the first two. After 20 minutes of a high-level chess match, Taylor said her name is connected to Serrano’s forever. 

Taylor is an orthodox fighter, and Serrano is a southpaw. Naturally, a matchup like this can result in crashing heads and gnarly cuts, which happened to Serrano in the second fight on Nov. 15. This time, both combatants were far more appreciative of defense, to the point of frustrating the bloodthirsty crowd inside Madison Square Garden. After the fade, Serrano said she was trying to keep her distance and fight smarter because going guns blazing failed twice. 

The first round was quiet with only three punches connecting, per Compubox data. There was a flash of the prior two clashes in round three as both stood in the pocket, discharging venomous strikes, but Taylor won the exchanges via combinations and her left hook.

The pace slowed back to third gear with both of them fighting on the outside. It was more favorable for Taylor as she maneuvered around almost every inch of the ring, landing counters. One of the more memorable tradeoffs was the pair landing left hooks in the corner at the end of round eight, followed by Taylor’s jab.

In the ninth, Taylor took control, totaling seven power punches to the head. She was told going into the 10th that she needed the round. Serrano was informed by trainer Jordan Maldonado that she was ahead but also needed the round. 

Taylor subsequently was the bolder and more accurate fighter, emitting left hooks and straight rights. 

The three judges scored it 95-95, 97-93 and 97-93. and all of them awarded the last two rounds to Taylor.

Serrano said she would have to watch the fight, but believed her team that she won.

At the post-fight presser, Taylor said, “The game plan tonight was not [to] let her feet set.” 

When asked about retirement or having more left in her, she said she didn’t know but wanted to enjoy the victory and reflect before deciding. 

Bam Adebayo’s Ranks in Miami Heat Franchise History:

• 4th in points

• 2nd in rebounds

• 3rd in assists

• 4th in steals

• 5th in blocks

• 1st in double-doubles

• 3rd in triple-doubles

The Miami Heat have one untouchable. Not Kel’el. Not Herro. It’s Bam Adebayo, and if you’re thinking otherwise, you haven’t been watching closely enough.

In light of recent trade hypotheticals making the rounds–involving Bam Adebayo–it’s time to draw a firm line in the sand: the Miami Heat will not trade Bam, and they absolutely shouldn’t.

Why? Because Bam Adebayo is more than just a stat line. He’s more than his All-Star nods or All-Defensive selections. He’s the soul of this team, a homegrown cornerstone who embodies everything the Heat stand for.

Since being drafted 14th overall in 2017, Adebayo has steadily developed into one of the NBA’s most versatile and impactful players. He’s a three-time All-Star, a five-time All-Defensive honoree, and arguably the best defensive big man in the league. But beyond the accolades, Bam is the identity of the modern Miami Heat.

He’s Heat Culture personified, gritty, loyal, relentless, team-first. And that’s precisely why the mere suggestion of trading him feels not only wrong. It feels impossible.

So, let’s break down five undeniable reasons why Bam Adebayo is untouchable:

1. He’s the Defensive Anchor Every Team Wants

Via @Dru_Star on X

“Bam might not get the credit that he is due because we got guys that score a lot more points. And that’s what people like. That’s pretty. That’s cute. But the one consistent piece that has kept that shit together is Bam.” –

w/ @TaylorRooks

2. Rare Two-Way Versatility

Offensively, Bam is more dynamic than he’s ever been. This season he averaged 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, while shooting a career-best 35.7% from three. He’s not just a dunker or mid-range shooter anymore, he’s stretching the floor and creating for others, becoming a true modern big.

Bam ranks highly in every major category and would only get better with some pressure taken off.

At 28, Bam is in his prime, and his game is still evolving. He’s the rare big who can initiate offense, run dribble-handoffs, hit timely jumpers, and score efficiently inside. And he does it while still being your best defender on the other end. That’s superstar-level versatility.

3. The Face of Heat Culture

You can’t manufacture leadership. Bam has grown into that role organically.

Much like Dwyane Wade before him, Bam is a homegrown star who commands respect with his work ethic, toughness, and consistency. He’s not the loudest guy in the room, but he sets the tone in the gym and on the floor. He plays through injuries. He defends the best player on the court. He never complains. He shows up.

Trading Bam wouldn’t just send away your best player; it would be a betrayal of the franchise’s identity.

Via @Dru_Star on X

“When they were on the 10-game losing streak me & Bam would talk about not letting go of the rope. Stuff looks bad right now. Everything’s crumbling. I think Bam emerged as a leader. I think Bam is now the leader of the Miami Heat. I think he took the leader role…” –

4. He’s Durable, Reliable, and Consistent

In a league where superstars often come with red flags around injuries or motivation, Bam is as steady as they come. He’s played at least 64 games in every season but 21/22, often through bumps and bruises that others would sit out. He doesn’t need to be load-managed. He shows up every night.

And he produces. Not in streaks, not in flashes, consistently. That’s why you build around him.

5. You Don’t Trade What You’re Trying to Find

Here’s the paradox of Bam trade rumors: teams spend years hoarding picks and assets trying to find a Bam Adebayo.

Trading Bam for picks or projects makes no sense, because Bam is the player you hope those picks become.
A leader. A defender. A floor-raiser. A winner.

Just look at what the Rockets and Thunder did. Yes, they tore it down and built-up assets, but they’re still looking for a Bam-level star. The Heat already have theirs. Why start over?

The Bottom Line