Q: I have never seen a team like this where there is more pressure on the supporting players to exceed expectations, because one of the three players in the forefront (Bam Adebayo) is inconsistent in pulling his own weight. It also feels like this is getting put on the backburner because the team is winning, which in my opinion is a mistake. Jimmy having a great game has been fun to watch. But other than Duncan Robinson in Game 1, he’s really been the only one to show up. This can get Miami into a world of trouble against a better team. — Darryl, Fitzgerald, Ga.

A: Yes. But there also have been two relatively comfortable wins. Now, can the Heat get past the 76ers with these limited numbers from Bam Adebayo? No. Ditto with Kyle Lowry. But the playoffs are about taking measure of a challenge, then meeting that challenge, however required. So, yes, Bam and Kyle have been deferring. But they’ve been deferring to victory. Sometimes it requires the passing game, sometimes the running game. Yes, a mixed metaphor, but that essentially is what has been in play to this stage.

Q: Bam said he felt disrespected for not being nominated for Defensive Player of the Year. Don’t you think his halfhearted Game 2 performance disrespected Heat fans? He had four turnovers, four rebounds and scored in single digits for the second straight game while Atlanta’s starting center is out. He’s finally on national TV and this is what he shows the country? — Carl, Fort Lauderdale.

A: That had nothing to do with anything. Again, he was part of a win. I do wish the lobbying for the award wasn’t a thing. That all was a bit over the top. Someone else wins, you move on. Bam Adebayo has. Now, if he doesn’t get a spot on first-team All-Defense . . .

Q: The Hawks are 20-3 at home since January. Eighth seed or not, down 0-2 or not, they are as good as any team at home. We can’t have Jimmy Butler get worn out this early in the playoffs without Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro stepping up. Do you think the Heat’s playoff aspirations hinge on this Game 3? — John, Fort Lauderdale.

A: I wouldn’t go that far. But I do agree that it will take more to experience the same type of success the Heat have had at FTX Arena when it comes to playing at State Farm Arena. But the Heat also have had strong support over the years in Atlanta, so it will be interesting to see where Friday’s fanbase stands. As Trae Young said at Thursday’s practice, “The regular season, sometimes it’s a lot more Heat fans than Hawks fans. So hopefully we turn that around.”

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