The Miami Heat have gone off to their worst start to a season in nearly two decades, falling to a 0-4 record after their latest loss against the Dallas Mavericks. Speaking after the defeat, Bam Adebayo appeared to take aim at the media, claiming that he has become the scapegoat after his team’s disappointing start to the campaign.

And well, Stephen A. Smith was quick to respond, per a post on X by ClutchPoints. The ESPN analyst wants Adebayo to separate the media from ‘social media,’ and claimed critics was well aware how good he was.

“Will you stop, bro. There's a difference between the media and social media,” he said. ”Don't fall for that. That's social media trolls talking that nonsense because they don't appreciate how great you are. We do… stop the b*tching and whining and talking about the media! We don't feel that way, we know you're great.”

Stephen A. Smith fired back at Bam Adebayo calling out the media 👀

"Will you stop, bro. There's a difference between the media and social media. … Don't fall for that. That's social media trolls talking that nonsense because they don't appreciate how great you are. We do…… https://t.co/1xND4w7kdi

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 27, 2026

Adebayo is averaging just 11.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting at around 40% overall and just 16.7% from the three-point zone. Adebayo went 3-10 against the Mavericks, scoring just eight points and grabbing eight rebounds in 30 minutes of playing time. Speaking after the game, the 29-year-old acknowledged his poor start to the season, but claimed that the critics should have the same energy when things start to click, per ESPN.

“Can't overthink basketball,” he said Adebayo. “For me, my shot not going in. I'm not going to overthink that. You know, it's funny how the outside noise wants to make me the scapegoat. But when the tables turn, just all that energy — when the energy shifts — just be prepared for that.”

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Adebayo went on to talk about how his own lack of production had nothing to do with the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, and claimed that he was taking more three-point attempts this season than before.

That, however, does not seem to be reflected in the stats thus far, with Adebayo attempting 4.5 attempts in the four games thus far, compared to 5.5 last season. However, that is also a dramatic increase from the rest of his career, with Adebayo taking just 2.8 three-pointers in the 2024-25 campaign, and just .6 the season before that.

Regardless, the Heat will continue to look for solutions and are set to visit the Atlanta Hawks next.