In the early hours of Wednesday, April 27, 2022 the Miami Heat recorded a 97-94 victory at the TTX Arena in Florida in Game 5 of the ongoing playoffs.
The Miami Heat came into the game with a 3-1 lead against the Atlanta Hawks in the series.
In what turned out to be a close out game, the Miami Heat would have to battle without their star forward Jimmy Butler who was key to their game 2 win with David Beckham and daughter in attendance.
Butler just before the start of the game was ruled out due to right knee inflammation.
Despite the absence of their star player, Miami Heat would rally to get the job done.
Oladipo, Nnamdi and Adebayo star for Miami Heat
The Heat had to rely on their core players of Nigerian descent Gabe Vincent Nnamdi, Victor Oladipo and Bam Adebayo.
All three players were given the start by Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Nnamdi started at guard and played for 30 minutes contributing nine points, four assists and four rebounds.
Oladipo who started as the other guard had 23 points, three assists and one rebounds in 36 minutes played.
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Adebayo, the starting center, recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in 41 minutes of play.
The victory means that the Miami Heat took down the Atlanta Hawks 4-1 in just five games.
Speaking after the game, Oladipo stated that he was delighted to return from injury.
He said, "A year ago today, I was waiting for my next surgery. I was sitting in a dark room by myself and just broke down, not because I quit, but because I was at the lowest point I could be at. Now God has put me in this position today. I made the most of it."
Oladipo, Adebayo and Nnamdi will now have to wait as the Miami Heat will take on the winner of the Toronto Raptor against the Philadelphia 76ers in the conference semifinals.