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The second-highest scoring game in NBA history belongs to Bam Adebayo.<\/p>\n
Eighty-three points.\u00a0<\/p>\n
One performance that will live forever.<\/p>\n
![\"Bam](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242475_684_original.jpg\")
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5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n
Inside 83: How Bam put his name between Wilt and Kobe with one of the greatest scoring nights ever<\/p>\n
Wild West Wins: Lakers, Spurs, Rockets capitalize as busy West race reshuffles<\/p>\n
East Streaks & Heat: Hawks win 7th straight, Pistons rebound, Payne & Buzelis pop off<\/p>\n
Roundup: Rising Suns one game out from 6th, Hornets & Kings pull off late wins<\/p>\n
Tonight On ESPN: Clicking Magic test mettle against Cavs, Rockets & Nuggets duel in key clash<\/p>\n
BUT FIRST \u2026 \u23f0<\/p>\n
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Wednesday brings six matchups, highlighted by an ESPN doubleheader as the Cavs visit the Magic (7:30 ET), before the Nuggets host the Rockets (10 ET).<\/p>\n
Bam Breaks The Internet: Adebayo\u2019s 83-point masterpiece has the hoops world buzzing<\/a>. See what some of the game\u2019s biggest stars were saying on social in real time:<\/p>\n LeBron James: BAM BAM BAM \ud83d\udca5\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25 1. BAM ADEBAYO MAKES HISTORY: 83 POINTS, ONE ALL-TIME ERUPTION<\/p>\n Wilt. Bam. Kobe.<\/p>\n On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a game. It\u2019s a record that\u2019s stood untouched ever since \u2013 the pinnacle of single-game scoring.<\/p>\n For decades, only one player came remotely close to Wilt\u2019s mark: Kobe Bryant, whose 81-point eruption in 2006 stood alone as the modern benchmark.<\/p>\n For 20 years, those two performances lived in a world of their own.<\/p>\n Until last night, when Bam Adebayo etched his name between the two legends.<\/p>\n Heat 150, Wizards 129: Adebayo dropped 31 in the 1st quarter. By halftime, he had 43 \u2013 topping his previous single-game career-high (41).<\/p>\n He wasn\u2019t close to done, netting 19 in the 3rd for a franchise-best 62. And with 81 in reach, Bam\u2019s bucket barrage reached record heights, finishing with 83 points<\/a> (20-43 FG, 36-43 FT, 7 3s) for the 2nd-highest scoring game in NBA history \u2013 and Miami\u2019s sixth straight win. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThis was an absolutely surreal night,\u201d said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. \u201cWe\u2019ve been a part of a lot of big moments in this arena \u2026 The explosion started immediately.<\/p>\n Bam scored the game\u2019s first basket 17 seconds in, then drilled a 3 to make it 5-0. Neither shot touched the rim, as the 3-time All-Star was about to touch a whole new dimension.<\/p>\n Opening Eruption: Adebayo drilled four more 3s in the opening frame to finish with 31 \u2013 the 2nd-highest-scoring 1st quarter since play-by-play data was first tracked in 1997-98 Miami led 76-62 at the break. Adebayo had 43, and his outburst was about to become unforgettable.<\/p>\n Relentless Charge: Bam opened the second half with a dunk. Then he buried a 3, followed by 7 points in 54 seconds. Suddenly, he had 55 It was a career night for Bam. It was a record night for Miami. It was a season-high for the league. And we were only through three quarters.<\/p>\n Still Climbing: Adebayo opened the 4th with two free throws and a triple. A minute later, he converted another and-one Special, indeed.<\/p>\n With Miami in the bonus, Adebayo couldn\u2019t be contained. Face guards weren\u2019t enough off-ball. Double-teams weren\u2019t enough on-ball. And the paint became his playground.<\/p>\n Eyeing 80: After powering his way to four more free throws, Adebayo muscled into position for an entry pass inside: Catch, bucket and the foul. He had 77 with 3:26 left<\/p>\n It was real. Only Wilt and Kobe had ever climbed this high \u2013 and Bryant\u2019s record was within reach.<\/p>\n Chasing Kobe: Bam cashed two more free throws to hit 79. Now, Washington was triple-teaming him end-to-end. It didn\u2019t matter. He fought his way for the next inbound, drove up the floor and earned another trip to the line Bam Adebayo stood alongside Kobe Bryant in the single-game scoring record books. And he wasn\u2019t done.<\/p>\n With 1:19 left, Miami used a quick outlet off a Washington bucket to get the ball back to Adebayo. The arena was on its feet. Phones were out. And Bam was headed straight to the rack.<\/p>\n The Wizards had no choice but to foul the 6-foot-9 wrecking ball barreling through the lane. The whistle blew, and Adebayo headed back to the line for history.<\/p>\n With the entire basketball world watching, Adebayo stepped to the stripe with 82 and 83 waiting on the other side.<\/p>\n He drilled the first to pass Kobe Eighty-three points, the second-most in a single NBA game.<\/p>\n Curtain Call: With \u201cM-V-P!\u201d chants raining down and a new number between 81 and 100, Spoelstra called a timeout.<\/p>\n Bam\u2019s night was finished \u2013 but his performance was everlasting.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will remember this game for the rest of your lives,\u201d Heat play-by-play announcer Eric Reid told the audience<\/p>\n For Adebayo, it already felt timeless.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish I could relive it twice,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is a special moment. It\u2019s Wilt, me, then Kobe, which sounds crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n 2. BIG WEST WINS: LAKERS, SPURS & ROCKETS WIN AMID WILD PLAYOFF PUSH<\/p>\n With LeBron James (hip\/foot) missing a second straight game, it was up to Luka Don\u010di\u0107 and Austin Reaves to move the Lakers up the standings against Anthony Edwards\u2019 Wolves.<\/p>\n Lakers 120, Wolves 106: Luka (11 reb, 11 ast) recorded his 54th career 30+ point triple-double, putting up a matching 31-point scoring effort with Reaves (7 reb, 8 ast), as L.A. overcame a 16-point 1st quarter and never trailed after halftime to sweep Minnesota 3-0 this season. |\u00a0 Recap<\/a><\/p>\n Two-Man Game: After Joker passed him just last night, Luka\u2019s 54th 30+ point triple-double pulls him back even for the 2nd-most all-time After an emotional return weekend, Jayson Tatum led the surging C\u2019s into Texas. But it was Victor Wembanyama\u2019s squad that picked up its fifth straight win.<\/p>\n Spurs 125, Celtics 116: Wemby (39 pts, 11 reb) was one point off matching his season-high, pouring in 24 2nd-half points and sinking a career-high eight 3s to push San Antonio past Derrick White (34 pts, 7 ast), Tatum (24 pts) and Boston. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n Alien Territory: Wemby became the second youngest player in NBA history to collect 35+ pts, 10+ reb and 8+ 3s in a game, behind only Jason Kidd Houston flexed its balance of scoring depth and defense to put itself back in 3rd place.<\/p>\n Rockets 113, Raptors 99: Kevin Durant scored 22 of his 29 points in the 1st half, while Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. added 23 apiece to help Houston stay ahead the entire 2nd half, shooting past RJ Barrett (25 pts, 6 reb) and Toronto. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe can go to the moon,\u201d KD said postgame of Houston\u2019s potential. \u201cWhen we got three guys scoring over 20 points and guarding up that way, it\u2019s tough to stop us.\u201d<\/p>\n 3. IN THE EAST: HAWKS WIN AGAIN, PISTONS REBOUND, PAYNE & BUZELIS SHINE<\/p>\n Atlanta is ensuring its name stays in the Playoff conversation, extending its season-best win streak to seven games.<\/p>\n Hawks 124, Mavericks 112: Following Dallas\u2019 2-0 opening lead, it was all Atlanta, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker (29 pts, 5 3s) and Jalen Johnson (27 pts, 7 reb, 8 ast) leading all five Hawks starters in double figures over Klay Thompson (21 pts, 5 3s) and the Mavs. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n A Milestone: Johnson totaled his 23rd game of 25\/5\/5 this season, the most ever by a Hawks player in a single season, passing Cliff Hagan (1961-62)<\/p>\n East-leading Detroit turned to its All-Star duo to get its first win since March 1.<\/p>\n Pistons 138, Nets 100: Jalen Duren\u2019s 26 points in 3 quarters led the way, fed by six of Cade Cunningham\u2019s (21 pts) 15 assists as Detroit never trailed, handling Michael Porter Jr. (19 pts) and Brooklyn to snap a season-long four-game losing streak. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n With news breaking before tip that Tyrese Maxey would be out at least three weeks (finger), Philly gave a total team response.<\/p>\n Sixers 139, Grizzlies 129: Cam Payne (career-high 32 pts, 10 ast) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (30 pts, 12 reb) led six Sixers in double figures, as Philly exploded for a 41-point 4th quarter to turn the tables on Ty Jerome (26 pts, 8 ast) and Memphis. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n Philly\u2019s Finish: Down 14 in the 2nd half and as many as eight in the 4th, Philly went on a 25-5 run in the final frame to earn the win and snap its two-game slide Bulls 130, Warriors 124 (OT): Matas Buzelis went off for a career-high 41 points on 16-of-28 shooting and 5 3s, capped by a clutch lead-extending triple with 2:20 left in OT to lift Chicago over Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u0123is (17 pts) and Golden State, which remains without Steph Curry (knee). | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n Buzelis Balling: Buzelis scored 17 in the 4th quarter and OT. In Year 2, he\u2019s nearly doubled his scoring from his rookie season (8.6 ppg), averaging 15.8 ppg 4. ROUNDUP: SUNS STAY HOT, HORNETS & KINGS WIN LATE<\/p>\n Suns 129, Bucks 114: Devin Booker (27 pts, 7 ast) and Jalen Green (25 pts, 5 ast) combined for 52, while Royce O\u2019Neale hit seven 3s for 21 more as the Suns pulled past Giannis Antetokounmpo (22 pts, 9 reb) and the Bucks. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n Suns Rising: Phoenix is 5-1 in its last six, moving just one game back of 6th-place Denver for the final Playoff spot<\/p>\n Hornets 103, Blazers 101: Down as many as 19, LaMelo Ball\u2019s (14 pts) triple early in the 4th gave Charlotte its first lead since the 1st quarter. Less than a minute later, they grabbed the lead for good.<\/p>\n Brandon Miller (23 pts, 9 reb) led the way past Deni Avdija (22 pts, 7 ast in return) and the Blazers, as the Hornets got their seventh win in their last nine games. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n Kings 114, Pacers 109: Devin Carter dropped 22 of his career-high 24 points in the 4th, including 13 straight, to rally the Kings from a 20-point 2nd-half deficit, edging Aaron Nesmith (29 pts) and the Pacers for a second straight win. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n 5. TONIGHT ON ESPN: CAVS AT MAGIC, ROCKETS AT NUGGETS<\/p>\n Orlando had lost six of its last eight as the All-Star break neared, dropping it from 5th to 8th in the East.<\/p>\n Then, something clicked. The Magic won three of their next four entering All-Star Weekend. Since returning from the break, they\u2019ve won seven of their last 10 \u2013 including four straight.<\/p>\n Tonight (7:30 ET, ESPN), sitting a game back of 5th, Orlando hosts 4th-place Cleveland in a pivotal East duel.<\/p>\n His Kingdom: Averaging 22.2 ppg on the season, Paolo Banchero has turned up post-All-Star break, tallying 26.2 ppg on 50.8% shooting The Test: Cleveland has had recent success when facing Orlando. The Cavs have won 10 of the two sides\u2019 last 13 regular-season meetings and eliminated the Magic in the first round of the 2024 Playoffs.<\/p>\n X-Factor: In their two matchups this season, Donovan Mitchell has been dominant, delivering 40.5 ppg while shooting 43.8% from 3 The postseason sprint remains neck-and-neck in the West. Both the Rockets and the Nuggets are in the thick of it, and go toe-to-toe later tonight (10 ET, ESPN).<\/p>\n Aaron Gordon returned to action Friday following a 17-game absence. That represents a major upgrade for Denver, writes The Athletic\u2019s Sam Amick:<\/p>\n For all of Nikola Joki\u0107\u2019s greatness and Jamal Murray\u2019s splendor, history tells us that this group can\u2019t typically reach true title-contending status unless Aaron Gordon is on the floor. | Read more<\/a><\/p>\n Three more games tip off on League Pass, including another marquee West duel as the 5th-place Wolves visit the 8th-place \u2013 and climbing \u2013 Clippers (10:30 ET).<\/p>\n Raptors at Pelicans (8 ET)
\nDwyane Wade: 83 for CAP \ud83e\udee1 \ud83e\udd2f
\nDonovan Mitchell: YEAHHH @Bam1of1 \u203c\ufe0f\u203c\ufe0f\u203c\ufe0f
\nJalen Brunson: Bro what
\nDirk Nowitzki: 83?????
\nVince Carter: That was dope watching @Bam1of1 shoot his way into history\u2026. Congrats young fella\u2026.\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n![\"Bam](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242476_758_original.jpg\")
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\n\u201cThis one \u2013 it just happened. Moments happen. I\u2019m grateful we were able to be a part of it and witness it.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Bam](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242477_562_original.gif\")
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\nCareer Night: After an early 2nd-quarter breather, he turned up before the half, closing with 12 points in 7 minutes, capped by a late and-one for a new career-best<\/p>\n
\nRecord Heat: Five free throws later, he was at 60 \u2013 steal, outlet, tomahawk. Make that 62, surpassing LeBron James\u2019 single-game franchise record (61)<\/p>\n![\"Bam](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242477_772_original.gif\")
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\nWith 9:05 Left, He Had 70: And the chase had shifted to something entirely different
\n\u201cIn the entire 4th quarter, I felt like a fan,\u201d said Spoelstra. \u201cOnce it just kept on going, we knew we possibly could be part of something really special.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTying Kobe: Shot, splash, 80. Shot, splash, 81<\/p>\n![\"Bam](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242478_455_original.gif\")
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\nHe drilled the second to cement Bam<\/p>\n![\"Bam](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242478_851_original.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Austin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242479_413_original.jpg\")
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\nEdwards and Julius Randle scored 14 apiece for the Wolves, who drop from 3rd to 5th place with the Rockets\u2019 win and the Lakers\u2019 tiebreaker<\/p>\n
\nAfter no double-digit 1st-half leads and a tie at halftime, San Antonio took over the 2nd half, never trailing by more than a bucket in just three lead changes<\/p>\n![\"Jabari](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242479_559_original.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Jalen](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242479_427_original.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"[](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242480_772_original.jpg\")
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\nPayne Perfect: Payne scored 13 in the 4th and set a career-high in 3s as he went 8-for-8 from deep<\/p>\n
\nChipping In: Josh Giddey added a monster triple-double (21 pts, 13 reb, 15 ast), while Jalen Smith hit the game-tying free throws with 1 second left to force OT<\/p>\n![\"Devin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242480_718_original.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"James](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242481_389_original.jpg\")
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\nStanding Tall: Orlando also boasts an NBA-best 105.6 DefRtg since Feb. 5<\/p>\n
\nThe Harden Effect: With James Harden in the lineup, the Cavs are 8-2, moving a half-game back of the Knicks for 3rd in the East<\/p>\n![\"Alperen](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773242481_623_original.jpg\")
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\nKnicks at Jazz (9 ET)
\nHornets at Kings (10 ET)<\/p>\n