MIAMI — Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat had a historic night, scoring 83 points. This puts him second only to Wilt Chamberlain in the NBA record books.
Adebayo also set new league records for the most free throws made and attempted in a single game. His incredible performance helped the Heat beat the Washington Wizards 150-129.
A Night for the Record Books
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra called it "an absolutely surreal night." He noted that the team has seen many big moments, but this one just happened, and everyone was grateful to witness it.
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Start Your News DetoxWilt Chamberlain's record of 100 points has stood since 1962. Kobe Bryant, one of Adebayo's heroes, was previously second with 81 points. Adebayo never expected to join such an elite group.
"Wilt, me, then Kobe," Adebayo said. "It sounds crazy."
Adebayo's final stats included making 20 of 43 shots from the field, 36 of 43 free throws, and 7 of 22 three-pointers.
After the game, Adebayo hugged his mother, Marilyn Blount, and shed tears. He said he focused on staying calm and locked in, knowing he could achieve something special. He didn't expect 83 points, but doing it at home in front of his family and fans made it a memorable moment in history.
Before this game, Adebayo's career high was 41 points. He surpassed that by halftime.
Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant, a USA Basketball teammate, praised Adebayo's stamina. He noted that taking 40 shots, 40 free throws, and 20 three-pointers requires immense energy. Durant called it a huge accomplishment to surpass Kobe Bryant as the second-highest scorer in NBA history.
The Game Unfolds
Adebayo started strong with 31 points in the first quarter. He had 43 points by halftime and 62 by the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, he continued to score despite facing multiple defenders. The Wizards kept fouling him, sending him to the free-throw line repeatedly.
Former Heat forward LeBron James posted "BAM BAM BAM" on social media. James previously held the Heat's single-game record with 61 points, set in 2014. Adebayo's performance now places James second on the team's scoring list.
This season, the NBA's previous high was 56 points by Nikola Jokic. The last player to have 62 points through three quarters was Kobe Bryant in 2005.
Adebayo made 16 free throws in the fourth quarter. The Heat intentionally kept feeding him the ball to get him to the line, even in a blowout. Wizards coach Brian Keefe acknowledged Adebayo's excellent shooting. He also expressed frustration with some of the foul calls.
Adebayo's 31 points in the first quarter broke the Heat's record for points in any quarter. It also tied the team record for points in a first half before the second quarter even began. He finished the first half with 43 points, a new team record for any half. This was two points more than his previous career high for an entire game.
Coach Spoelstra said that once Adebayo reached 50 points, they aimed for 60. Then, when he hit 60, they pushed for 70. Spoelstra decided not to take him out at that point.
When Adebayo's night finally ended, Spoelstra and his teammates greeted him with hugs. Even some Wizards players offered congratulations. Adebayo received praise from Heat managing general partner Micky Arison.
Adebayo kept his jersey, and the game ball was secured. The nets were cut down as souvenirs. His longtime girlfriend, A'ja Wilson, a four-time WNBA MVP, was emotional. She said Adebayo inspires her greatly.
Adebayo, exhausted, reflected on the moment. He never met Kobe Bryant, who passed away in 2020. He often wonders what it would have been like to have Bryant as a mentor. He had those thoughts after surpassing Bryant's 81-point mark.
"Just a surreal moment," Adebayo said, "being in the company with somebody I idolized growing up."
