Spurs' Wembanyama Inspired by Adebayo's 83-Point Outburst

Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama believes he can match or surpass the NBA's single-game scoring record.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:53pm

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After Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo scored an astounding 83 points in a game against the Washington Wizards, the NBA world has turned its attention to whether Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama could be the next player to push the single-game scoring record. Wembanyama, who has already recorded a 50-point game this season, is seen as a prime candidate to potentially eclipse Kobe Bryant's 81-point performance and even challenge Wilt Chamberlain's longstanding 100-point record.

Why it matters

Wembanyama's potential to score 80 or more points in a game would cement his status as one of the NBA's most dominant and transcendent talents. The league has not seen a player approach Chamberlain's 100-point record in over 50 years, and Wembanyama's combination of size, skill, and scoring ability make him a prime candidate to potentially rewrite the NBA's record books.

The details

Wembanyama was aware of Adebayo's 83-point outburst as he met with the media after the Spurs' 125-116 win over the Boston Celtics. Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox, Adebayo's former college teammate, was informed of the historic performance during the game and expressed both excitement and a hint of jealousy. While some criticized Adebayo's accomplishment as stat-padding, Spurs players like Devin Vassell argued that scoring 83 points is an incredible feat regardless of the circumstances. Wembanyama himself has already recorded a 50-point game this season, and his teammates believe he is more than capable of matching or surpassing Adebayo's performance.

  • On March 10, 2026, the Spurs defeated the Celtics 125-116.
  • On March 12, 2026, Bam Adebayo scored 83 points for the Miami Heat against the Washington Wizards.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 22-year-old French center for the San Antonio Spurs who is considered one of the NBA's most promising young talents, with the potential to challenge the league's single-game scoring records.

Bam Adebayo

A three-time NBA All-Star center for the Miami Heat who recently scored 83 points in a game, the closest any player has come to surpassing Wilt Chamberlain's record of 100 points in a game.

De'Aaron Fox

A guard for the San Antonio Spurs who was Bam Adebayo's college teammate at Kentucky and expressed both excitement and a hint of jealousy over Adebayo's historic 83-point performance.

Devin Vassell

A guard for the San Antonio Spurs who defended Bam Adebayo's 83-point game, arguing that scoring that many points is an incredible feat regardless of the circumstances.

David Robinson

A former center for the San Antonio Spurs who holds the franchise record for most points scored in a single game with 71.

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What they’re saying

“If it was that easy, everyone would score 80 points. So at the end of the day, I give Bam his credit. Free throws or whatever the case may be, he got 80 points. Respect to him.”

— Devin Vassell, Spurs guard

“He's going to have a game like that for sure.”

— Dylan Harper, Spurs guard

“If we'd let him play that whole L.A. game, he'd be right up there too.”

— Dylan Harper, Spurs guard

“He's coming for a (championship) ring.”

— Dylan Harper, Spurs guard

“I'm pissed he scored more than me. But I'm happy for him for sure.”

— De'Aaron Fox

What’s next

The Spurs will continue to monitor Wembanyama's progress and look for opportunities to allow him to showcase his scoring ability, while also prioritizing team success and a potential championship run.

The takeaway

Wembanyama's potential to score 80 or more points in a game highlights the incredible talent and scoring prowess of the young Spurs star, who is already drawing comparisons to some of the NBA's all-time greats. While Adebayo's 83-point outburst has captured the league's attention, Wembanyama's ability to match or surpass that feat could cement his status as one of the most dominant players of his generation.