Bam Adebayo Scores 83 Points, Faces Criticism

Miami Heat center responds to backlash over record-breaking performance against the tanking Washington Wizards.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:38pm

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In an NBA season where many teams are intentionally losing to improve their draft position, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo faced criticism for scoring 83 points in a game against the struggling Washington Wizards. Adebayo defended his performance, explaining that the Wizards did not double-team him until he had already scored 70 points. The author argues that Adebayo should be celebrated for his historic effort, not criticized, as the NBA needs more players and teams going all-out late in the season.

Why it matters

The criticism of Adebayo's 83-point performance highlights the complex issues surrounding tanking and the integrity of the NBA in a season where many teams are resting stars and limiting minutes to improve their draft position. The author argues that Adebayo should be praised for his effort, not condemned, as the NBA needs more players and teams competing at a high level late in the season.

The details

Adebayo scored 83 points against the Washington Wizards, a team that has been intentionally losing games to improve their draft position. The author notes that in other high-scoring performances, such as Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game and Devin Booker's 70-point game, the opposing teams employed tactics to slow down the scoring. However, the Wizards did not double-team Adebayo until he had already scored 70 points. Adebayo made it clear that he tried to beat Kobe Bryant's record of 81 points, but questioned why he was criticized for it.

  • Adebayo scored 83 points against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Bam Adebayo

The Miami Heat center who scored 83 points in a game against the Washington Wizards.

Wilt Chamberlain

An NBA legend who scored 100 points in a single game.

Devin Booker

A Phoenix Suns player who scored 70 points in a game.

Kobe Bryant

An NBA legend who scored 81 points in a single game.

Washington Wizards

An NBA team that has been intentionally losing games to improve their draft position.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone wants to be mad at me, but be mad their coach for not doubling me when I had 30 in a quarter.”

— Bam Adebayo (The Dan Patrick Show)

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding tanking and the integrity of the NBA in a season where many teams are resting stars and limiting minutes to improve their draft position. While Adebayo's 83-point performance was historic, the criticism he faced for it is unwarranted, as the NBA needs more players and teams competing at a high level late in the season, not fewer.