Heat Coach Spoelstra Defends Bam Adebayo's 83-Point Game

Spoelstra says he "apologizes to absolutely no one" over the team's tactics to help Adebayo set the scoring record.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:25pm

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Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra defended the team's tactics in the final minutes of Bam Adebayo's historic 83-point game against the Washington Wizards. Spoelstra said he "apologizes to absolutely no one" over the team's decision to foul Wizards players late in the game to give Adebayo more opportunities to score. Adebayo set the NBA's second-highest single-game scoring record, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game.

Why it matters

Adebayo's record-breaking performance sparked debate around sportsmanship and whether the Heat went too far in their efforts to help him score more points. However, Spoelstra and other coaches around the league have defended the team's actions, arguing that memorable moments like this are what fans want to see.

The details

Adebayo scored 83 points, making an NBA-record 36 free throws on 43 attempts. The Heat fouled Wizards players in the final minutes to extend the game and give Adebayo more chances to score. Spoelstra said the team was simply trying to capitalize on a "moment in time" and that Adebayo was still playing the game properly, making extra passes and playing defense.

  • Adebayo scored 31 points in the first quarter, 43 by halftime, and 62 through three quarters.
  • Adebayo reached 70 points with 3:26 remaining in the game.
  • The first instance of the Heat fouling to get the ball back for Adebayo was with 1:40 left.

The players

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat who defended the team's tactics to help Bam Adebayo score a record-breaking 83 points.

Bam Adebayo

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

Tyronn Lue

The head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers who indicated he had no problem with the Heat's tactics to help Adebayo score.

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets who said Adebayo's performance was "really cool" and that he had no issue with the Heat's approach.

Brian Keefe

The head coach of the Washington Wizards, whose team was on the receiving end of Adebayo's historic performance.

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What they’re saying

“I apologize to absolutely no one. Period.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat (news4jax.com)

“When you get to 70, I'm sorry, man, like all bets are off. ... I thought it was really cool.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets (news4jax.com)

“He made the extra pass in the fourth quarter when he had 60. He blocked a shot. He was still playing the game.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets (news4jax.com)

What’s next

The NBA may review the Heat's tactics in the final minutes of Adebayo's record-breaking game, but Spoelstra has made it clear he has no regrets and will not apologize for the team's actions.

The takeaway

Spoelstra's unapologetic defense of the Heat's approach highlights the fine line between sportsmanship and seizing a historic opportunity. While some may question the team's tactics, Spoelstra and other coaches argue that memorable moments like Adebayo's 83-point game are what fans want to see, even if it means pushing the boundaries of typical game management.