Overview
- Adebayo scored 83 points in Miami’s 150-129 victory over Washington, passing Kobe Bryant’s 81 and trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 for the NBA single-game mark.
- He set single-game records with 36 made and 43 attempted free throws and finished 20-of-43 from the field and 7-of-22 from three, with 31 points in the first quarter and 62 through three.
- Reports detailed unusual late sequences as Washington fouled to deny him touches and Heat players at times missed free throws intentionally to regain possession, with Wizards coach Brian Keefe questioning several fourth-quarter calls.
- Reaction split quickly: ESPN’s Tim MacMahon labeled the finish blatant stat chasing, Houston’s Ime Udoka and 76ers wing Kelly Oubre pointed to the foul count and opponent, and ex-Laker Robert Horry floated an asterisk, while stars including LeBron James and Kevin Durant offered praise.
- Coach Erik Spoelstra said he never considered taking Adebayo out, Pat Riley told him postgame he would have sat him at 70, and the win was Miami’s sixth straight to reach 37-29 ahead of hosting Milwaukee on Thursday.