On Tuesday evening, the Miami Heat played the Washington Wizards (at home).
While a lot of key players were ruled out for the game, Bam Adebayo took advantage in a major way.
The Heat center exploded for history, finishing with 83 points while shooting 20/43 from the field in 42 minutes of playing time.
Kevin Durant In Disbelief Over Bam Adebayo’s Performance
Adebayo has now scored the second-most points in all of NBA history.
He moved ahead of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant (who had 81).
NBA Communications wrote: “Most points scored in a single NBA game:
1. Wilt Chamberlain – 100 (March 2, 1962) 2. BAM ADEBAYO – 83 (TONIGHT) 3. Kobe Bryant – 81 (January 22, 2006)
Adebayo joins Chamberlain and Bryant as the only players in NBA history to score 80+ points in a game.”
1. Wilt Chamberlain – 100 (March 2, 1962) 2. BAM ADEBAYO – 83 (TONIGHT) 3. Kobe Bryant – 81 (January 22, 2006)
Adebayo joins Chamberlain and Bryant as the only players in NBA history to score 80+ points in a game.
After the game, Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant shared his thoughts.
Durant (h/t NBA on ESPN): “I couldn’t believe it when I was hearing it in real time… Congratulations to Bam. I know how much work he puts in… That takes a lot of energy to go out there and put those shots up, but also make them… Congrats to him, huge, huge accomplishment. Something we’re gonna be talking about forever.”
Adebayo was only averaging 18.9 points per contest coming into the night.
NBA reporter Rachel Nichols wrote: “Bam Adebayo’s 83 pts: * 20-for-43 from the floor * 7-for-22 from 3 * 36-for-43 on FT
Curious how folks feel about Miami’s fouls at the end that kept sending Bam to the line. Personally, I’m a “if it’s part of the game, it’s part of the game” person but I know not everyone is.”
Curious how folks feel about Miami’s fouls at the end that kept sending Bam to the line. Personally, I’m a “if it’s part of the game, it’s part of the game” person but I know not everyone is.
Durant And Adebayo
While Adebayo and Durant have competed on other NBA teams for nearly a decade, they have also been teammates on Team USA.
They won two Gold Medals together (2020 and 2024).
ESPN’s Bobby Marks wrote: “Prior to tonight, Bam Adebayo averaged 4.8 free throws per game.
Tonight he shot 43, making 36.”
Tonight he shot 43, making 36.
Adebayo is in his ninth season as a pro (all with Miami).
In addition to his Gold Medals, the 28-year-old has also reached the NBA Finals twice.
The Heat (37-29) will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
Kevin Durant In Disbelief Over Bam Adebayo’s 83-Point Performance For Miami Heat