The Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics is living up to expectations. Although the Heat took an early 3-0 lead in the 7-game series, the Celtics have clawed their way back into the contest. They won two games in a row which has shifted the focus to Jimmy Butler’s men. Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins isn’t the biggest fan of Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo. Following a dismal game 5 outing, Perkins lashed out at Adebayo and made an intriguing Anthony Davis claim.

According to Perkins, fans should be keeping the same attitude for Adebayo as they did for the Los Angeles Lakers star. This comes hours after Perkins had berated the Celtics’ two consecutive wins. 

Former NBA champion makes compelling Anthony Davis claim

Bam Adebayo was the only All-Star out of the Miami Heat squad in 2023. Naturally, he is expected to be one of the best players on the team. Jimmy Butler, however, has pretty much carried the team on his back during the postseason. For this reason, Kendrick Perkins believes that Adebayo should be meted the Anthony Davis treatment. Similarly, the Los Angeles Lakers star was criticized for his underwhelming performances against the Denver Nuggets.

Perkins said, “We have to keep the same energy for Bam, that we do for Anthony Davis. Because what I saw last night was ridiculous.”

In game 5 against the Celtics, Bam Adebayo led the scoring for his team with 16 points. However, that wasn’t enough to lead his team over the line. Boston took home game 5 with a brilliant 110-97 win. 

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Game 6 between the two takes place on the 27th of March and Celtics can force a game 7 with a win. Considering their momentum, a game 7 is surely a possibility. In case the Heat go on to lose the series, they will be the first team to blow a 3-0 series lead in the Playoffs. 

What did Perkins say about AD?

The Western Conference Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers was a one-sided affair. The Nugget, led by 2-time MVP Nikola Jokic, reached the NBA finals for the first time in their history with a 4-0 sweep.

Following the loss, Perkins mentioned how Jokic is in better shape than AD. The 2008 NBA champion said, “It’s about Anthony Davis, looking himself in the mirror and asking himself who he wants to be. Or should we just accept this is who he’s gonna be? Jokic and this is no disrespect, this is a lot of credit to Jokic — is in better shape than Anthony Davis. He looked tired last night.”

Although Jokic has been criticized multiple times regarding his weight and shape, Perkins asserted that he is in better shape than AD. In the 4 games against the Lakers, Jokic averaged 27.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 11.8 assists. He was rightfully awarded the 2023 Western Conference Finals MVP award.

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