On historic night, Adebayo reflects on impact of those present—and the one long gone
MIAMI—Bam Adebayo stood in the glow of one of the NBA’s most extraordinary scoring nights and spoke fondly about the people who shared the moment with him—and one who could not.
Adebayo scored 83 points on Tuesday night, the second-highest total in NBA history, carrying the Miami Heat to a 150-129 victory over the Washington Wizards. Only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962 remains ahead of him on the league’s all-time single-game list.
“It’s Wilt, me and then Kobe—that sounds crazy,” Adebayo said.
The Miami center passed the 81-point performance of Kobe Bryant, the idol he grew up watching and modeling his game after. Bryant died in a helicopter crash in 2020, but Adebayo imagined what his reaction might have been.
“He’d probably say, ‘Do it again,’” Adebayo said. “Just a surreal moment being in the company of somebody you idolized growing up.”
It was a night that seemed to build with every quarter.
Adebayo scored 31 points in the first, 43 by halftime and 62 through three quarters. He finished 20 for 43 from the field, 7 for 22 from 3-point range and a record-setting 36 for 43 from the free-throw line. Both his free throws made and attempted established new NBA single-game marks.
He also became the first player in the NBA’s play-by-play era (since 1996-1997) to score at least 40 points in both halves—with 43 before the break and 40 after.
“I couldn’t do it without them,” Adebayo said, lauding his teammates. “Somebody had to pass me the ball.”
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said the team didn’t initially chase history.
“At halftime we talked about continuing to play our game,” Spoelstra said. “Once he got to 50, then we’re thinking maybe get to 60. When he got to 60, just keep going. Might as well go for 70.”
Eventually, the numbers became impossible to ignore.
“I didn’t even dare think about taking him out,” Spoelstra said. “I wanted him to have a moment with the crowd to really enjoy this historic night.”
One of those enjoying the moment was sitting courtside.
A’ja Wilson—Adebayo’s longtime girlfriend and a four-time WNBA MVP with the Las Vegas Aces—was superstitious about interrupting the rhythm, she stayed on her feet instead of taking her seat.
“I was hiding a little bit,” Wilson said. “I just got nervous.”
Eventually, she settled along the baseline and watched the rest of history unfold.
Wilson holds the highest scoring game among active WNBA players with 53 points. Now, Adebayo owns the highest among active NBA players.
“I’m thankful to have her in my life,” he said.
“To have 83, the first game she’s here, is very special. The behind-the scenes, the workouts, the conversations, they’re very motivating and you get inspired every day by that.”
Wilson had been out of town when Adebayo crossed the 10,000-point milestone in his previous game—something she had hoped to see.
“She wanted me to wait,” Adebayo said with a smile.
Tuesday’s performance more than made up for it.
“He’s forgiven,” Wilson said. —WITH REPORTS FROM INQUIRER SPORTS, AP AND AFP
