Bam Adebayo Defends Historic 83-Point Game Amid Criticism

The Miami Heat star responds to claims that his record-breaking performance was "unethical".

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:03pm

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Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo scored an impressive 83 points in a win over the Washington Wizards, breaking several franchise records. However, Adebayo's performance drew criticism from some who felt the way he achieved the feat was "unethical", with the game seemingly out of reach in the fourth quarter. Adebayo and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra have defended the star's actions, arguing that he was simply chasing greatness and that the fouls and free throws he accumulated were legitimate.

Why it matters

Adebayo's 83-point game was the second-highest individual scoring performance in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain's legendary 100-point game. The criticism surrounding the way Adebayo achieved the feat raises questions about sportsmanship, player motivation, and the role of coaches in managing blowout games.

The details

Adebayo scored 83 points, including 31 in the first half and 43 by halftime. He played 42 minutes and shot numerous free throws, which some felt was "unethical" given the large lead the Heat had built. However, Adebayo argued that he was simply chasing greatness and that the fouls and free throws he received were legitimate. Spoelstra also defended his decision to leave Adebayo in the game, saying the star was "legitimately getting fouled every time".

  • Adebayo scored 83 points in the Miami Heat's 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, March 12, 2026.
  • Adebayo's 83-point game was the second-highest individual scoring performance in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962.

The players

Bam Adebayo

A three-time NBA All-Star and center for the Miami Heat who scored 83 points in a game, the second-highest individual scoring performance in NBA history.

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat who decided to leave Adebayo in the game to allow him to chase the scoring record.

Wilt Chamberlain

The legendary NBA player who holds the record for the most points scored in a single game with 100 points in 1962.

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What they’re saying

“I was not the one to let me go one-on-one for the game until I had 70 and then [they] started to send a double. At that point I had 70 with what, nine minutes left to go in the game? You think I'm not going for it?”

— Bam Adebayo (Newsweek)

“That's the thing that's crazy when they talk about the unethical part of basketball. I'm like, 'I had 70 with nine minutes to go.' Who would just be like, 'You know, coach? Just take me out.' Yeah, right.”

— Bam Adebayo (Newsweek)

“It's not like I shoot 15 free throws a game. It's not like I average 10 free throws a game. You can watch the film. I was legitimately getting fouled every time, so I went to the free-throw line.”

— Bam Adebayo (Newsweek)

What’s next

The NBA may review the circumstances around Adebayo's record-breaking performance to determine if any rule changes or guidelines are needed to address concerns about sportsmanship and player motivation in blowout games.

The takeaway

Bam Adebayo's historic 83-point game has sparked a debate about the ethics of chasing individual records, even when a game is seemingly out of reach. While Adebayo and his coach defended his actions, the incident highlights the need for the NBA to consider guidelines that balance player motivation and sportsmanship in lopsided contests.