By TIM REYNOLDS
Updated 9:04 PM PDT, March 10, 2026
MIAMI (AP) — In NBA history, it’s Wilt first, then Bam.
Bam Adebayo had an unforgettable night on Tuesday, scoring 83 points—only second to Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary record. This achievement included setting new franchise records for both made and attempted free throws, leading the Miami Heat to a 150-129 victory over the Washington Wizards.
“It was an absolutely surreal night,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. “We’ve experienced many remarkable moments in this arena, but this one was exceptional. I’m just grateful for everyone who got to witness it.”
Chamberlain’s record of 100 points has stood since 1962, while Kobe Bryant—one of Adebayo’s basketball idols—held second place with 81 points. Adebayo never imagined he would join their ranks.
“It’s Wilt, me, then Kobe,” Adebayo said. “It sounds insane.”
His impressive statistics included 20 of 43 shooting from the field, 36 of 43 from the free throw line, and 7 for 22 from beyond the arc.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Adebayo embraced his mother, Marilyn Blount, as he exited the court. Until that moment, he had managed to contain his feelings.
“I just focused on staying calm, locked in, and realizing that I was on the verge of something special,” Adebayo said. “I never expected 83 points. To do it at home, in front of my mom and the fans, is a historic milestone I’ll cherish forever.”
Prior to this game, Adebayo’s career high was 41 points—which he surpassed by halftime.
“I looked at the stat sheet. It was astonishing: 40 shots, 40 free throws, 20 threes—that requires incredible stamina,” said Kevin Durant, Adebayo’s USA Basketball teammate. “It’s a tremendous accomplishment that we’ll be discussing for years to come.”
Adebayo exploded with a 31-point first quarter, finishing the first half with 43 points and setting a franchise record for both any quarter and any half.
Despite being double- and triple-teamed, Adebayo continued to dominate, earning 16 foul shots in the fourth quarter. The Heat maintained their strategy of getting him the ball even as the game became a rout.
“You’ve got to give him credit,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe acknowledged. “He shot the ball exceptionally well and scored efficiently. Despite our efforts to limit him, he kept getting to the line.”
Adebayo didn’t need the full game to set his new career high, breaking his previous record by halftime.
“Once he reached 50, we started to think, maybe he can hit 60,” Spoelstra noted. And when Adebayo reached 60, the game plan shifted to aiming for 70.
He eventually hit 70, prompting Spoelstra to keep him in, realizing the magnitude of the moment.
After the game, Spoelstra greeted Adebayo with a warm hug, as did teammates and even some players from the Wizards. Adebayo commemorated the evening by securing the game ball and cutting down the nets, accompanied by his girlfriend, four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, who was moved to tears.
“He inspires me in ways I don’t think he realizes,” Wilson said. “He says I’m his motivation, but he drives me to be a better person.”
As Adebayo left the arena feeling exhausted, he reflected on never having met Bryant, who passed away in 2020. Scoring more than Bryant’s 81 points brought him mixed emotions.
“It’s just surreal,” Adebayo stated, “to be recognized alongside someone I idolized growing up.”
TIM REYNOLDS
Reynolds is an Associated Press sports writer based in South Florida.
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