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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 10: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat leaves the court after a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center on March 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. He passed Kobe Bryant for the second most points scored in an NBA game. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
On Tuesday evening, the NBA world watched as Bam Adebayo made history.
The Miami Heat beat the Washington Wizards (at home) by a score of 150-129.
Adebayo exploded for 83 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks while shooting 20/43 from the field and 7/22 from three-point range in 42 minutes of playing time.
Heat Star Bam Adebayo Makes Heartfelt Statement
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 08: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center on March 08, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
After the game, Adebayo made a heartfelt statement when he spoke to FanDuel TV (h/t ESPN).
Adebayo: “I wish I could relive it twice. I credit G-D, my family man, my teammates. This crowd.”
“I wish I could relive it twice.”
—Bam Adebayo after scoring the 2nd-most points in NBA history 🔥
Adebayo’s History
Adebayo now has the second-highest scoring game in the history of the NBA.
ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote: “NBA’s ALL-TIME record for points in a single game:
1. Wilt Chamberlain: 100 points 2. Bam Adebayo, 83 points 3. Kobe Bryant, 81 points”
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 10: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards during the third quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on March 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Adebayo had come into play with averages of 18.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 44.7% from the field and 33.0% from three-point range in 57 games.
While he has been known as one of the best 25 players in the league for a while, no one thinks of Adebayo as being among the game’s top scorers.
Skip Bayless wrote: “The most points Bam Adebayo has ever averaged in a season is 20.4. For his career he averages 16. Now he has scored the second most points in a single NBA game to Wilt’s 100 — 83!”
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 10: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat celebrates with teammates after defeating the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center on March 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. Adebayo passed Kobe Bryant for the second most points scored in an NBA game with 83 in the 150-129 win. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Adebayo’s NBA Career
Adebayo was the 14th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Kentucky.
He has spent all nine seasons of his career playing for Miami.
His career averages are 16.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 52.6% from the field and 32.1% from three-point range in 624 games.
While the Heat haven’t won a title in that span, Adebayo has helped lead the franchise to the NBA Finals twice since 2020.
Ryan Russillo wrote: “Loved every minute of Bam’s 83. The absurd possessions. The home broadcast raving about his unselfishness when he made a pass. Spo’s ridiculous challenge. Fouling up 20+ to stop the clock. The bombs from 3. Washington fouling a different player so Bam wouldn’t get the shot. The missed FTA to try for another possession.
Can’t get mad at Miami when the other team is hoping to lose.”
Loved every minute of Bam’s 83. The absurd possessions. The home broadcast raving about his unselfishness when he made a pass. Spo’s ridiculous challenge. Fouling up 20+ to stop the clock. The bombs from 3. Washington fouling a different player so Bam wouldn’t get the shot. The
Heat Going Forward
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 10: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat celebrates as Bam Adebayo #13 leaves the game during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center on March 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. Adebayo passed Kobe Bryant for the second most points scored in an NBA game with 83 in the 150-129 win. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Heat are currently the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 37-29 record in 66 games.
They are in the middle of a six-game winning streak (and 8-2 over their last ten).
On Thursday, the Heat will host the Milwaukee Bucks.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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