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Bam Adebayo makes history with 83-point game, passing Kobe Bryant for 2nd most points in single game in NBA history

Adebayo becomes third player to cross 80-point mark, joining Wilt Chamberlain (100), Kobe Bryant (81)

Miami Heat teammates celebrate center Bam Adebayo (13) after he scored 83 points, the second-highest single game total in NBA history, in an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell, Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

On a random Tuesday night in March, Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo made history.

Adebayo scored 83 points in the Miami Heat’s 150–129 blowout win over the Washington Wizards, becoming the NBA’s second-highest single-game scorer of all time.

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Bam passed Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who scored 81 points in a 2006 win over the Toronto Raptors.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 10: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat embraces him mom after a game against the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center on March 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. 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) (2026 Getty Images)

Wilt Chamberlain’s iconic 100-point outing in 1962 has now faced its toughest test yet, but the 64-year-old record remains intact.

Bam was hot from the start in Tuesday night’s game. He outscored the entire Wizards team in the first quarter, scoring 31 as Miami led 40–29 after one. He had 43 points by halftime.

Adebayo’s 83 didn’t come without grit, as he spent nearly the entire game on the floor, logging 42 minutes. He went 20-of-43 from the field, 7-of-22 from three, and 36-of-43 from the free-throw line.

If 43 free throw attempts sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. Bam now stands alone as the all-time leader in free throws made and attempted in a single game.