Overview
- Miami’s Bam Adebayo scored 83 in a 150–129 win over Washington, the NBA’s second-highest single-game total behind Wilt Chamberlain and ahead of Kobe Bryant.
- Adebayo set single-game records for free throws made and attempted, going 36-for-43, and logged 31 points in the first quarter and 62 through three quarters.
- Late sequences featured Miami keeping Adebayo on in a decided game, Wizards fouling Heat teammates to deny him shots, Heat intentional fouls to regain possession, and deliberate missed free throws.
- Reaction split quickly: ESPN’s Tim MacMahon called it the most blatant stat chasing he has seen and ex-Laker Robert Horry floated an asterisk, while Wizards coach Brian Keefe said it “turned into not a real basketball game.”
- Support poured in from current stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, and a viral clip captured Heat president Pat Riley telling Adebayo, “I would have taken you out at 70.”