Heat President Pat Riley Defends Bam Adebayo's 83-Point Game

Riley slams "bulls--t" criticism of Adebayo's historic performance against the Wizards.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Miami Heat president Pat Riley has come to the defense of star player Bam Adebayo, who scored a career-high 83 points in a recent game against the Washington Wizards. Riley called out the "bulls--t" criticism Adebayo has faced, saying anyone who has been negative or cynical about the accomplishment is "trying to either get views, hits, or they're podcasters and that's their job." Riley argued that Adebayo's performance should be celebrated as an "iconic, absolute incredible" feat, similar to Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962.

Why it matters

Adebayo's 83-point game has sparked debate and criticism from some fans and media members, who have questioned the efficiency and high free-throw rate of his performance. However, Riley's strong defense of his star player highlights the Heat's commitment to supporting Adebayo and celebrating his historic achievement, even in the face of skepticism.

The details

In the March 10th game against the Wizards, Adebayo set an NBA record by making 36 free throws, going 20-for-43 from the field and 7-for-22 from 3-point range. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra also defended Adebayo's performance, saying he "approached that game appropriately" despite the Wizards' lack of defense and constant fouling. It was also revealed that Adebayo's grandmother had passed away just five days before the game, on what would have been her 83rd birthday.

  • Bam Adebayo scored 83 points against the Washington Wizards on March 10, 2026.
  • Adebayo's grandmother passed away five days before the game, on what would have been her 83rd birthday.

The players

Bam Adebayo

A star player for the Miami Heat who scored 83 points in a game against the Washington Wizards, setting an NBA record for most free throws made in a game with 36.

Pat Riley

The president of the Miami Heat, who has come to the defense of Adebayo and criticized the "bulls--t" criticism of his historic 83-point performance.

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat, who also defended Adebayo's performance and said he "approached that game appropriately" despite the Wizards' lack of defense.

Marilyn Blount

Bam Adebayo's mother, who revealed that Adebayo's grandmother had passed away five days before the 83-point game, on what would have been her 83rd birthday.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's bulls--t. It's all bulls--t. Anybody who is negative on it, anybody who was cynical about it, anybody who talked about it the way they talked about it in a negative way, they're trying to either get views, hits, or they're podcasters and that's their job.”

— Pat Riley, Miami Heat President (Miami Herald)

“I apologize to absolutely no one. Period.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat Head Coach (Miami Herald)

“'Bam, now, you know your grandmother and your aunt's birthday is Tuesday on the 10th. You know you better score and win because she'll come back and haunt you.'”

— Marilyn Blount, Bam Adebayo's Mother (Miami Herald)

What’s next

The Heat will continue to support and celebrate Bam Adebayo's historic performance, despite any criticism. The team will also honor Adebayo's grandmother in some way, potentially during an upcoming home game.

The takeaway

Bam Adebayo's 83-point game has sparked debate, but the Miami Heat organization has firmly stood behind their star player, with team president Pat Riley slamming the "bulls--t" criticism and coach Erik Spoelstra defending Adebayo's approach. This shows the Heat's commitment to supporting their players and celebrating their achievements, even in the face of skepticism from some fans and media members.