Bam Adebayo erupted for 83 points, the second-highest in NBA history, leading the Miami Heat to a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday at Kaseya Center. His scoring outburst included 31 points in the first quarter, 43 by halftime, and 62 through three quarters.
Adebayo went 20-for-43 from the field, 36-for-43 from the free-throw line, and 7-for-22 from three, setting NBA records for free throws made and attempted in a single game. His performance surpassed Kobe Bryant’s career-high of 81, putting Adebayo second only to Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962.
Despite the historic output, some people from Bryant’s past expressed to Sam Amick of The Athletic that Adebayo should have been pulled out of respect for Kobe’s iconic performance. Amick reported that these reactions “weren’t unique” and stemmed from a mix of nostalgia and reflection on Bryant’s legacy.
Miami’s win extended the team’s season-best streak to six games, moving them eight games over .500 at 37-29. Simone Fontecchio added 18 points, while the Heat managed the game without Norman Powell, Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic, and Andrew Wiggins.
The Wizards, missing Trae Young due to right knee management, were led by Alex Sarr’s 28 points. Will Riley contributed 22, and Jaden Hardy added 17, but Washington fell to 16-48 with its ninth straight loss.
Adebayo’s third-quarter surge allowed him to surpass LeBron James’ Heat record of 61 points from 2014 and Denver’s Nikola Jokic’s season-high of 56. The center’s relentless scoring included drawing 43 free-throw attempts, breaking the previous mark of 39 set by Dwight Howard.
The Heat shot 50% from the field and 30% from three, while controlling the glass 48-35. Miami now prepares to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, while Washington travels to Orlando.
