Bam Adebayo scores 83 points in Heat win, impressing girlfriend A'ja Wilson

Adebayo's historic performance came with his WNBA star girlfriend A'ja Wilson watching courtside.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo scored 83 points in a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history. Adebayo's longtime girlfriend, WNBA star A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, was in attendance and could barely sit still watching his historic performance unfold.

Why it matters

Adebayo's 83-point outburst is the second-highest single-game scoring total in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain's legendary 100-point game. It also marks the highest-scoring game by an active NBA player, surpassing the previous high of 81 points by Kobe Bryant. The game showcased the incredible talent and chemistry of one of professional sports' top power couples.

The details

Adebayo set NBA records with 36 free throws made and 43 free throws attempted in the game. Wilson, a four-time WNBA MVP, was so nervous watching courtside that she initially refused to take her seat, worried she might disrupt Adebayo's historic performance. Eventually she did settle in, and witnessed Adebayo deliver the game of his life.

  • Adebayo scored 24 points on Sunday, reaching 10,001 career points, but Wilson was not in attendance for that milestone.
  • On Tuesday night, Adebayo erupted for 83 points, the first game Wilson has attended since Adebayo reached 10,000 points.

The players

Bam Adebayo

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

A'ja Wilson

A four-time WNBA MVP who plays for the Las Vegas Aces and is the longtime girlfriend of Bam Adebayo.

Wilt Chamberlain

The NBA legend who holds the single-game scoring record with 100 points.

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What they’re saying

“I was hiding a little bit. I don't know. I just got nervous.”

— A'ja Wilson (apnews.com)

“I'm thankful to have her in my life.”

— Bam Adebayo (apnews.com)

“She wanted me to wait. To have 83, the first game she's here, is very special. The behind-the scenes, the workouts, the conversations, they're very motivating and you get inspired every day by that.”

— Bam Adebayo (apnews.com)

What’s next

The Heat will look to ride Adebayo's historic performance as they continue their playoff push, while Wilson and the Aces will aim to defend their WNBA title.

The takeaway

Bam Adebayo and A'ja Wilson's relationship has clearly fueled their individual success, with Adebayo delivering an all-time great NBA performance in front of his WNBA star girlfriend. Their chemistry and mutual support for each other's careers exemplifies the power of a true sports power couple.