The NBA witnessed a historic night on March 10, 2026, when Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo delivered one of the greatest individual performances in league history. Playing against the Washington Wizards, Bam Adebayo scored 83 points and led Miami to a 150–129 victory.
The performance became the second-highest scoring game in NBA history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point game in 1962. Along with the scoring explosion, Adebayo also set a new NBA record for the most free throws made in a single game, finishing with 36 free throws.
His performance broke a decades-old record and placed his name among the most memorable moments in basketball history.
Bam Adebayo’s Record-Breaking Night
Adebayo dominated the game from the opening minutes and continued scoring throughout the contest. The Heat star showed incredible confidence both from the field and the free-throw line.
Bam Adebayo Game Performance
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Points | 83 |
| Field Goals | 20-43 |
| Three-Pointers | 7-22 |
| Free Throws | 36-43 |
| Rebounds | 9 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Steals | 2 |
| Blocks | 2 |
| Minutes | 42 |
His ability to draw fouls and convert from the line played a huge role in reaching such a massive scoring total.
Most Free Throws Made in an NBA Game
Adebayo’s 36 free throws created a new NBA record for the most free throws made in a single game.
For many years, the record was 28 free throws, achieved by legendary players Wilt Chamberlain and Adrian Dantley. Adebayo surpassed that mark with ease during his incredible night.
NBA Record – Most Free Throws Made in a Game
| Rank | Player | Free Throws Made | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bam Adebayo | 36 | 2026 |
| 2 | Wilt Chamberlain | 28 | 1962 |
| 2 | Adrian Dantley | 28 | 1984 |
Adebayo also set another mark by attempting 43 free throws, the most attempts in a single NBA game.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown
Adebayo’s scoring came consistently throughout the game.
| Quarter | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | 31 |
| 2nd Quarter | 12 |
| 3rd Quarter | 19 |
| 4th Quarter | 21 |
| Total | 83 |
His 31-point first quarter also became the highest scoring quarter in Miami Heat history, breaking a franchise record previously held by LeBron James.
Second-Highest Scoring Game in NBA History
Adebayo’s performance placed him among the greatest single-game scorers ever.
Highest Points in a Single NBA Game
| Rank | Player | Points | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilt Chamberlain | 100 | 1962 |
| 2 | Bam Adebayo | 83 | 2026 |
| 3 | Kobe Bryant | 81 | 2006 |
| 4 | Wilt Chamberlain | 78 | 1961 |
| 5 | Luka Dončić | 73 | 2024 |
| 6 | David Thompson | 73 | 1978 |
| 7 | Damian Lillard | 71 | 2023 |
| 8 | Donovan Mitchell | 71 | 2023 |
| 9 | David Robinson | 71 | 1994 |
| 10 | Joel Embiid | 70 | 2024 |
By scoring 83 points, Adebayo passed Kobe Bryant’s famous 81-point game and moved into second place on the all-time list.
Miami Heat Franchise Records Broken
Adebayo’s performance also shattered several Miami Heat franchise records.
Heat Records Broken in the Game
- Most points in a single game
- Most points in a quarter (31)
- Most points in a half (43)
- Most free throws made in an NBA game
The previous Heat scoring record was 61 points, set by LeBron James in 2014.
Adebayo’s Season and Career Overview
The Miami Heat star is 28 years old and one of the most important players in the franchise. During the 2025-26 season, he has been averaging:
| Stat | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 18.9 |
| Rebounds | 9.8 |
| Assists | 2.9 |
Adebayo entered the NBA after being selected 14th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft and has spent his entire career with the Miami Heat. He is also a three-time NBA All-Star and has helped Miami reach the NBA Finals twice.
Scoring 83 points while setting the NBA free-throw record is a rare achievement in basketball history. The performance showed Adebayo’s scoring ability, confidence, and leadership.
With this historic night, Bam Adebayo not only led the Miami Heat to a big victory but also etched his name among the greatest single-game performers the NBA has ever seen.
