Hayward Criticizes Adebayo's 83-Point Game as 'Not Legit' for NBA

Former NBA player says Adebayo's record-breaking performance highlights league's struggles.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:35am

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Former NBA player Gordon Hayward criticized Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo's 83-point game on Tuesday, saying it is "not great for the league" and "kind of feels like a pickup game" due to the way Adebayo achieved the record-breaking performance.

Why it matters

Adebayo's 83-point game has sparked debate about the integrity of the NBA and whether such high-scoring outlier performances are good for the league. Hayward's comments add to the criticism, suggesting the game felt "not legit" due to the Heat intentionally fouling late to give Adebayo more scoring opportunities.

The details

Adebayo scored 83 points, including an NBA-record 43 free throws, in the Heat's blowout win over the Wizards on March 12, 2026. The Heat intentionally fouled late in the game to stop the play clock and allow Adebayo more chances to score. Play-by-play analyst Doris Burke said she was "uncomfortable" with the fouling, while Lakers coach JJ Redick called the final moments a "different type of basketball."

  • Adebayo scored 83 points in a game on March 12, 2026.
  • Hayward made his comments criticizing the performance on ESPN's 'Unsportsmanlike' radio show on March 13, 2026.

The players

Gordon Hayward

A former 14-year NBA veteran who played for the Jazz, Celtics, Hornets, and Thunder.

Bam Adebayo

A star player for the Miami Heat who scored 83 points in a game, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history.

Doris Burke

A play-by-play analyst who said she was "uncomfortable" with the Heat's intentional fouling late in the game to allow Adebayo more scoring opportunities.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers who called the final moments of Adebayo's 83-point game a "different type of basketball."

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat who dismissed the criticism of Adebayo's 83-point game, saying he has "zero regrets" about the team's approach.

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What they’re saying

“I think Bam is one of the best two-way players in the league at his position, but he's not a scorer, right? So for him to break [Kobe Bryant's] record, I don't think it's great for the league. I think it kind of highlights how they're already struggling. It kind of feels like a pickup game when you're watching.”

— Gordon Hayward, Former NBA Player

“Was I slightly uncomfortable with the six-minute mark and down with some of the intentional fouling and free throws? A little bit. But I am taking nothing away from Bam Adebayo.”

— Doris Burke, Play-by-Play Analyst

“I apologize to absolutely no one. Period. And going into the game, it's a Tuesday night game against a team where they're not playing for anything, where their organization is trying to lose.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat

What’s next

The NBA may review the circumstances around Adebayo's record-breaking performance to determine if any rule changes or disciplinary actions are warranted.

The takeaway

Adebayo's 83-point game has sparked a debate about the integrity of the NBA and whether such high-scoring outlier performances achieved through intentional fouling and free throw attempts are good for the league's image and competitiveness.