Bam Adebayo delivered a performance for the ages, setting a new personal best and etching his name into the NBA history books on Tuesday night. Adebayo's 83-point explosion against the Washington Wizards not only shattered his previous career-high but also eclipsed some long-standing Miami Heat and NBA records.
Adebayo's night was nothing short of spectacular. He shot 20-of-43 from the field, including 7-of-22 from beyond the arc.
But where he truly made history was at the free throw line, setting new NBA records with 36 made free throws on 43 attempts. His relentless drive to the basket and ability to draw fouls were on full display, as he surpassed the legendary Kobe Bryant's 81-point game from 2006.
In just 42 minutes of action, Adebayo led the Heat to a commanding 150-129 victory over the Wizards. His previous career-high of 41 points was left in the dust, as he more than doubled that mark in a single, unforgettable night.
Of course, the gold standard for scoring remains Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962. Chamberlain's performance remains the pinnacle of individual scoring feats, but Adebayo's night certainly deserves its own chapter in the annals of basketball history.
Here's a look at the top scoring performances in NBA history:
- Wilt Chamberlain, 100 points - March 2, 1962 Chamberlain played the full 48 minutes, hitting 36 of 63 field goals and an impressive 28 of 32 free throws, a record that stood until Adebayo's recent achievement.
- Bam Adebayo, 83 points - March 10, 2026 Adebayo's 20-of-43 shooting, along with his record-setting free throw performance, places him second on this prestigious list.
- Kobe Bryant, 81 points - January 22, 2006 Bryant's iconic game against the Raptors saw him make 28 of 46 shots, including 7-of-13 from three-point range.
- Wilt Chamberlain, 78 points - December 8, 1961 Chamberlain's scoring prowess was on full display as he tallied 78 points in a high-scoring affair against the Lakers.
T-5. Luka Doncic, 73 points - January 26, 2024
Doncic's career-high came against the Atlanta Hawks, a team that originally drafted him before trading him to Dallas.
T-5. David Thompson, 73 points - April 9, 1978
Known as "Skywalker," Thompson's 73-point game for the Denver Nuggets remains a highlight of his career.
T-5. Wilt Chamberlain, 73 points, twice
Chamberlain's mythical status in basketball history is bolstered by two separate 73-point games in consecutive seasons.
- Wilt Chamberlain, 72 points - November 3, 1962 Chamberlain's scoring feats continue with this 72-point performance against the Lakers.
T-10. Damian Lillard, 71 points - February 26, 2023
Lillard's "Dame Time" magic was on full display as he torched the Houston Rockets with a blend of threes and free throws.
T-10. Donovan Mitchell, 71 points - January 2, 2023
Mitchell's explosive scoring night helped the Cavaliers secure a win over the Bulls, showcasing his all-around offensive talent.
Other notable 70-point games include David Robinson's 71-point effort to clinch the scoring title in 1994, Elgin Baylor's 71-point game in 1960, and Joel Embiid's 70-point performance in 2024. Devin Booker's 70-point game in 2017 also deserves mention, as does Michael Jordan's career-high of 69 points.
Adebayo's incredible night not only highlights his individual brilliance but also cements his place among the NBA's all-time great scoring performances. This game will be remembered as a testament to his skill, determination, and ability to rise to the occasion.