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

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

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.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (San Antonio Express-News)

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

— Dylan Harper, Spurs guard (San Antonio Express-News)

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

— Dylan Harper, Spurs guard (San Antonio Express-News)

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

— Dylan Harper, Spurs guard (San Antonio Express-News)

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

— De'Aaron Fox (NBA TV)

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.