Overview
- Adebayo’s 83 in Miami’s 150-129 win over Washington is officially the NBA’s second-highest single-game total, with league records of 36 made free throws on 43 attempts.
- Wizards coach Brian Keefe labeled the fourth quarter "not a real basketball game," while Erik Spoelstra said, "I apologize to absolutely no one" for keeping Adebayo in.
- Adebayo pushed back on critics, saying Washington should have doubled earlier, noting he had 70 with nine minutes left and insisting the fouls were legitimate.
- Team president Pat Riley dismissed the backlash as "bull****," arguing similar tactics surrounded Wilt Chamberlain’s 100, as media and fans continued to question the finish.
- Reactions across the league remain split: Draymond Green, Jaylen Brown and Shaquille O’Neal backed Adebayo, while Charles Barkley and Gordon Hayward criticized the late-game approach, even as Miami extended its winning streak to seven.