Kel’el Ware finished with arguably his best game as a professional, shining on both ends of the floor.
Despite his performance, the Miami Heat lost to the New York Knicks 132-125 on December 21. The loss was the Heat’s seventh in their last eight games.
“I’m not trying to put up points for my own looks,” Ware said. “I’m trying to put them up so we can get some points on the boards, and especially with the rebounds, so we can come up with the win.”
Ware finished the game with a career-high 28 points on 11-15 from the field and 19 rebounds. Ware also went 5-7 from three, the second-most in a game in his early career.
The second-year center out of Indiana has flashed throughout the season. Ware has struggled with inconsistency like many young players, but his highs are undoubtedly high.
Ware is ranked 12th in the NBA and leads the Heat in double-doubles with 12 this season. He’s had three straight 20-point double-doubles.
Ware’s athleticism around the rim was considered one of his strong suits coming out of the draft, but the center has improved his three-point shooting.
Ware is shooting 45.6% from three this season. He leads all eligible centers in three-point percentage.
“I feel like it’s through the flow of the game,” Ware said on his three-point shooting. “When I feel comfortable letting it go. Just timed decisions, making that decision when it’s the right time.”
Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra Praises Ware
GettyErik Spoelstra had strong praise for Kel’el Ware after his performance.
Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra was critical of Kel’el Ware earlier in his career.
Spoelstra commented on Ware’s “professionalism” during the Summer, wanting to see improvement in playing impactful basketball.
Ware has seemingly taken the criticism to heart, improving both his play and his demeanor, which has caught the notice of his coach.
“I like the things that he’s doing,” Spoelstra said. “Everybody on the outside will just notice the stats. He’s doing winning things. It’s not always just about the stats, but he’s coming a long way. He’s improving. I want him to play with confidence.”
Spoelstra’s newfound belief in Ware is translating to more playing time. Ware’s role in the Heat’s rotation was spotty to begin the season.
He finished with under 30 minutes played in the first eight games of the season. However, he’s averaging 31 minutes per game over the last three games and played a season-high 35 minutes against the New York Knicks.
“Kel’el is improving vastly,” Spoelstra said.
Kel’el Ware Has Struggled to Play With Bam Adebayo
GettyBam Adebayo has struggled offensively while on the court with Kel’el Ware.
While Kel’el Ware has thrived over the past three games, his offensive volume and rebounding have taken away from Bam Adebayo.
Adebayo has scored just eight points, 14 points and 16 points over his last three games while shooting under 50% in each game.
Adebayo’s impact as a defender is undeniable, but it appears his offensive chemistry with Ware needs to be ironed out.
Many of Adebayo’s stronger performances this season, including a 31-point, 10-rebound performance against the San Antonio Spurs on October 30, have come when Ware was quiet on the offensive end.
Adebayo was open about needing to better, following the Miami Heat’s loss to the Boston Celtics on December 19.
If Adebayo and Ware can figure out how to both thrive offensively, the Heat could have one of the strongest front-court duos in the NBA.
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