Bam Adebayo Scores 83 Points, Second-Highest Total in NBA History

NBA stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade react to the Miami Heat center's historic performance

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo scored an astonishing 83 points in a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards, the second-highest individual scoring total in NBA history behind only Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game. Adebayo, a three-time All-Star, had 43 points by halftime and 62 by the end of the third quarter, captivating the league and drawing reactions from NBA legends like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

Why it matters

Adebayo's historic scoring outburst is a rare feat, with only Wilt Chamberlain having scored more points in a single NBA game. This performance cements Adebayo's status as one of the league's elite centers and showcases his ability to take over a game in spectacular fashion.

The details

Adebayo, who has a career scoring average of 16 points per game, erupted against a porous Washington Wizards defense, shooting an efficient 29-of-38 from the field and 25-of-27 from the free-throw line. His 83 points surpassed Kobe Bryant's legendary 81-point game as the second-highest individual scoring total in NBA history.

  • Adebayo had 43 points by halftime.
  • By the end of the third quarter, Adebayo had 62 points.

The players

Bam Adebayo

A three-time NBA All-Star and one of the league's premier centers, Adebayo scored 83 points in a single game, the second-highest individual scoring total in NBA history.

LeBron James

A four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest players of all time, James reacted to Adebayo's historic performance on social media.

Dwyane Wade

A three-time NBA champion and Miami Heat legend, Wade also took to social media to celebrate Adebayo's 83-point game.

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What they’re saying

“Bam Bam Bam”

— LeBron James (Twitter)

“83 points!!! Wow!!! Congrats @Bam1of1”

— Dwyane Wade (Twitter)

The takeaway

Bam Adebayo's historic 83-point performance is a testament to his elite scoring ability and showcases his potential to be one of the NBA's most dominant big men. This game will be remembered as one of the greatest individual scoring efforts in league history.