Overview
- Adebayo’s 83 points in a 150-129 win over the Wizards rank second all time, and he set NBA records with 36 made and 43 attempted free throws.
- Wizards coach Brian Keefe criticized the finish as “not real basketball,” citing late fouls and Adebayo’s 16 fourth-quarter free throws.
- Adebayo dismissed the backlash, arguing Washington failed to adjust until he had 70, saying he was legitimately fouled and that he is unconcerned with critics.
- Erik Spoelstra said he has no regrets — “I apologize to absolutely no one” — and team president Pat Riley labeled the negative reactions “bull****,” noting similar precedents in Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game.
- Players including Draymond Green and Jaylen Brown publicly backed Adebayo, while the Heat kept winning as he called the experience a “pinch-me” moment and said another 80-point night is unlikely.