{"id":186773,"date":"2026-03-11T04:37:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T04:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/186773\/"},"modified":"2026-03-11T04:37:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T04:37:12","slug":"kevin-durant-in-disbelief-over-bam-adebayos-83-points","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/186773\/","title":{"rendered":"Kevin Durant In Disbelief Over Bam Adebayo’s 83 Points"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 09: Kevin Durant (L) and Bam Adebayo, backwards white hat, watch a Women’s semifinal match between Team United States and Team Australia on day fourteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Sarah Stier\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

On Tuesday evening, the Miami Heat<\/a> played the Washington Wizards<\/a> (at home).<\/p>\n

While a lot of key players were ruled out for the game, Bam Adebayo<\/a> took advantage in a major way.<\/p>\n

The Heat center exploded for history, finishing with 83 points while shooting 20\/43 from the field in 42 minutes of playing time.<\/p>\n

Kevin Durant In Disbelief Over Bam Adebayo\u2019s 83 Points\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA \u2013 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<\/a> game with 83 in the 150-129 win.\u00a0 (Photo by Megan Briggs\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Adebayo has now scored the second-most points in all of NBA history.<\/p>\n

He moved ahead of Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> legend Kobe Bryant (who had 81).<\/p>\n

NBA Communications wrote:<\/a> \u201cMost points scored in a single NBA game:<\/p>\n

1. Wilt Chamberlain \u2013 100 (March 2, 1962) 2. BAM ADEBAYO \u2013 83 (TONIGHT) 3. Kobe Bryant \u2013 81 (January 22, 2006)<\/p>\n

Adebayo joins Chamberlain and Bryant as the only players in NBA history to score 80+ points in a game.\u201d<\/p>\n

Most points scored in a single NBA game:<\/p>\n

1. Wilt Chamberlain \u2013 100 (March 2, 1962)
\n2. BAM ADEBAYO \u2013 83 (TONIGHT)
\n3. Kobe Bryant \u2013 81 (January 22, 2006)<\/p>\n

Adebayo joins Chamberlain and Bryant as the only players in NBA history to score 80+ points in a game. <\/p>\n

After the game, Houston Rockets<\/a> star Kevin Durant<\/a> shared his thoughts.<\/p>\n

Durant (h\/t NBA on ESPN)<\/a>: \u201cI couldn\u2019t believe it when I was hearing it in real time\u2026 Congratulations to Bam. I know how much work he puts in\u2026 That takes a lot of energy to go out there and put those shots up, but also make them\u2026 Congrats to him, huge, huge accomplishment. Something we\u2019re gonna be talking about forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS \u2013 SEPTEMBER 29: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets speaks with the media during NBA Media Day at Toyota Center on September 29, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Adebayo was only averaging 18.9 points per contest coming into the night.<\/p>\n

NBA reporter Rachel Nichols wrote:<\/a> \u201cBam Adebayo\u2019s 83 pts: * 20-for-43 from the floor * 7-for-22 from 3 * 36-for-43 on FT<\/p>\n

Curious how folks feel about Miami\u2019s fouls at the end that kept sending Bam to the line. Personally, I\u2019m a \u201cif it\u2019s part of the game, it\u2019s part of the game\u201d person but I know not everyone is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bam Adebayo\u2019s 83 pts:
\n* 20-for-43 from the floor
\n* 7-for-22 from 3
\n* 36-for-43 on FT<\/p>\n

Curious how folks feel about Miami\u2019s fouls at the end that kept sending Bam to the line. Personally, I\u2019m a \u201cif it\u2019s part of the game, it\u2019s part of the game\u201d person but I know not everyone is.<\/p>\n

Durant And Adebayo\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyUSA\u2019s #13 Bam Adebayo (Rear) embraces USA\u2019s #07 Kevin Durant after the USA won the men\u2019s Gold Medal basketball match between France and USA during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris on August 10, 2024. (Photo by Damien MEYER \/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

While Adebayo and Durant have competed on other NBA teams for nearly a decade, they have also been teammates on Team USA.<\/p>\n

They won two Gold Medals together (2020 and 2024).<\/p>\n

ESPN\u2019s Bobby Marks wrote<\/a>: \u201cPrior to tonight, Bam Adebayo averaged 4.8 free throws per game.<\/p>\n

Tonight he shot 43, making 36.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prior to tonight, Bam Adebayo averaged 4.8 free throws per game.<\/p>\n

Tonight he shot 43, making 36.<\/p>\n

Adebayo is in his ninth season as a pro (all with Miami).<\/p>\n

In addition to his Gold Medals, the 28-year-old has also reached the NBA Finals twice.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA \u2013 MARCH 08: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Detroit Pistons<\/a> during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center on March 08, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Heat (37-29) will host the Milwaukee Bucks<\/a> on Thursday.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBen Stinar<\/a> Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.\u00a0
\n
\nHe has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Heat\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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