Bam Adebayo scored 83 points for the Miami Heat against the Washington Wizards, putting him second in the NBA’s all-time list for points scored in a single game.
The Miami Heat won the game 150-129. Adebayo passed Kobe Bryant’s 81-point total, set in 2006.
Only Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 100 points in 1962, has scored more.
Adebayo’s Reaction to Record-Breaking Performance
Adebayo described the moment as “special”. He said he “really got emotional” when he realised the scale of his achievement.
“It’s Wilt, me, then Kobe, which sounds crazy,” he said.
Adebayo also stated, “I wish I could relive it twice.”
Tribute to Family and Trainers
The 28-year-old paid tribute to his family and trainers.
He said, “They’ve seen me at the lowest, at the bottom of the bottom, trying to figure out how to really pick myself up.”
“To have this moment and share it with all them, it’s a pretty emotional moment.”
Free Throws Contribute to High Score
Adebayo scored 36 of 43 free-throws at Kaseya Center in Miami.
These figures represent records for the most free-throws attempted and most free-throws made.
Lakers and Pistons Also Win
Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-106 at home.
Luka Doncic scored 31 points, with 11 rebounds and 11 assists. The Lakers are now fourth in the Western Conference, ahead of the Timberwolves on a tie-breaker as they both have 40-25 records.
In the Eastern Conference, leaders the Detroit Pistons moved to 46-18 with a 138-100 win at the Brooklyn Nets. Jalen Duren scored 26 points.
Adebayo’s 83-point game will be remembered as a standout performance.