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Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo set a historic NBA record on Tuesday night by scoring 83 points against the Washington Wizards, which is the second-most in NBA history. The moment was not celebrated, however, but consternated, as most basketball fans were left disgusted by Adebayo’s efforts.
Despite the fact that Bam Adebayo passed the late Kobe Bryant to set the record for most points in an NBA game, most basketball fans weren’t in the mood to celebrate given the nature of Bam’s performance, the way the Heat and Wizards facilitated the record, and the poor quality of the opposition.
If you’re familiar with the basketball term “ethical hoops,” then you’ll understand that Adebayo’s performance was the opposite of that, as he went 20 from 43 from the field (46%), 7 from 22 from beyond the 3-point line (31%), and had 43 free throws. Additionally, Adebayo was accused of stat-padding when the game was out of reach.
NBA fans aren’t necessarily celebrating Bam Adebayo’s 83-point performance given the context of the situation
Bam Adebayo is now the architect of perhaps the most shameless, disgusting performance in sports history
83 points. 2nd most all time
20/43 from the field
7/22 from 3
43 FREE THROWS??up 30 vs the worst team itl and kept himself in. kept gunning. challenged flops
despicable
— Turn (@CousinTurn) March 11, 2026
The Heat kept fouling the Wizards to get the ball back so Bam can break Kobe’s record…
And the Wizards kept sending Bam to the free throw line
FOURTY-THREE free throws 😭 pic.twitter.com/onUU9jVK9d
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) March 11, 2026
“Wilt, me, then Kobe. It sounds crazy,” Adebayo said after his historic night. “For me, it was just remaining calm, remaining locked in and understanding that I can go for something special.”
“I didn’t think it was going to be 83. But to have this moment is surreal, because like I said, man, to be able to do it at home, in front of my mom, in front of my people, in front of the home fans, this is a mark in history that will forever be remembered.”
The Heat are fouling while up 25 to try and get Bam Adebayo more point, madness.
😂 😂 pic.twitter.com/kThjjCpEb0
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) March 11, 2026
Ime Udoka on Bam Adebayo’s 83 point night:
“First thing you think is how…… not because of him but because of the way he plays. I saw he only made 6 threes but 40 free throws or something like that, tells the story right there and………….. the Washington Wizards.” pic.twitter.com/PScqMKHBPv
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) March 11, 2026
Rounding out the top 5 single-game point totals in NBA history after Wilt, Adebayo, and Kobe is Wilt Chamberlain again with 78 in fourth place, and Luka Doncic tied with Chamberlain again in fifth place (73 points).