Steve Kerr Defends Spoelstra's Decision to Help Adebayo Reach 83 Points

Kerr relates to Spoelstra's choice from his own experience of letting players chase records.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:38am

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After Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo scored 83 points in a game, setting the second-highest single-game scoring total in NBA history, there was some backlash towards Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra for keeping Adebayo in the game to chase the record. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who has had similar experiences with letting his players pursue records, has come to Spoelstra's defense, saying he respects the decision and that every coach faces those types of circumstances.

Why it matters

This story highlights the ongoing debate around coaches allowing players to chase individual statistical milestones, even if it means keeping them in a game that is already decided. Kerr's defense of Spoelstra's decision lends credibility to the idea that such choices are often made with the player's best interests in mind, rather than simply chasing records.

The details

Bam Adebayo scored 83 points for the Miami Heat against the Washington Wizards, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history. This led to some criticism of Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra for keeping Adebayo in the game to pursue the record. Steve Kerr, the longtime Golden State Warriors coach, has faced similar situations in the past with players like Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry. Kerr said he respects Spoelstra's decision and that every coach has to make those types of choices, defending his fellow coach against the backlash.

  • On Tuesday, Bam Adebayo scored 83 points for the Miami Heat.
  • Adebayo's 83 points is now the second-highest single-game total in NBA history.

The players

Bam Adebayo

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

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat who decided to keep Adebayo in the game to pursue the scoring record.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors who has faced similar situations of letting his players chase individual records, and has come to Spoelstra's defense.

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What they’re saying

“Is that a thing that people are not giving him credit for getting 83?... I think every coach has to face those circumstances. I respect what Spo said. No need to apologize, he was doing it for his own team, and I respect that.”

— Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors Head Coach

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing debate around coaches allowing players to pursue individual statistical milestones, even if it means keeping them in a game that is already decided. Steve Kerr's defense of Erik Spoelstra's decision to let Bam Adebayo chase the scoring record lends credibility to the idea that such choices are often made with the player's best interests in mind, rather than simply chasing records.