Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo delivers one of the greatest scoring performances in NBA history, moving into second place on the all-time list behind Wilt Chamberlain’s iconic 100-point game.
The NBA witnessed a historic scoring explosion on March 10, 2026, when Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo produced one of the most remarkable individual performances the league has ever seen. Facing the Washington Wizards, Adebayo scored 83 points and powered Miami to a 150–129 victory.
The performance instantly became the second-highest scoring game by a player in NBA history, placing Adebayo among the greatest single-game scorers ever. Only one performance remains above it — Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point game in 1962.
Along with the huge scoring total, Adebayo also broke records from the free-throw line and set multiple franchise milestones for the Miami Heat.
Historic Scoring Performance by Bam Adebayo
Adebayo dominated the game from the opening quarter and continued scoring throughout the night. His aggressive drives, strong post play, and repeated trips to the free-throw line made him unstoppable for the Wizards’ defense.
He finished the game with 83 points in 42 minutes, delivering a scoring display that immediately entered NBA history.
Bam Adebayo Full Game Statistics
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Points | 83 |
| Field Goals | 20-43 |
| Three-Pointers | 7-22 |
| Free Throws | 36-43 |
| Rebounds | 9 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Steals | 2 |
| Blocks | 2 |
| Turnovers | 5 |
| Minutes Played | 42 |
Adebayo’s ability to attack the basket forced constant fouls from Washington defenders, which resulted in a record-breaking free-throw performance.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown
The Heat star built his scoring total consistently across all four quarters.
| Quarter | Points |
|---|---|
| First Quarter | 31 |
| Second Quarter | 12 |
| Third Quarter | 19 |
| Fourth Quarter | 21 |
| Total | 83 |
His 31-point first quarter became the highest scoring quarter in Miami Heat history. By halftime he had already scored 43 points, setting another franchise milestone.
Most Points in an NBA Game by a Player
Scoring 80 or more points in a single NBA game is extremely rare. Over the decades, only a handful of players have come close to the legendary 100-point mark.
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 | Wilt Chamberlain | 73 | 1962 |
| 8 | Damian Lillard | 71 | 2023 |
| 9 | Donovan Mitchell | 71 | 2023 |
| 10 | David Robinson | 71 | 1994 |
| 11 | Joel Embiid | 70 | 2024 |
| 12 | Devin Booker | 70 | 2017 |
By reaching 83 points, Adebayo surpassed the legendary 81-point game by Kobe Bryant and moved into second place on the all-time list.
Wilt Chamberlain’s Untouchable 100-Point Record
The highest scoring performance in NBA history remains Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game.
The historic game took place on March 2, 1962, when Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks in a 169-147 victory.
Even more than six decades later, the record still stands as one of the most iconic achievements in sports history.
Chamberlain’s Historic Game Stats
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Points | 100 |
| Field Goals Made | 36 |
| Free Throws Made | 28 |
A famous photograph of Chamberlain holding a paper with the number “100” became one of the most recognizable images in basketball history.
Most Free Throws Made in an NBA Game
Adebayo’s historic scoring night also included a record-breaking free-throw performance.
He made 36 free throws, the most free throws ever made in a single NBA game, breaking the previous mark of 28.
Most Free Throws Made in a Single NBA Game
| Rank | Player | Free Throws Made |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bam Adebayo | 36 |
| 2 | Wilt Chamberlain | 28 |
| 2 | Adrian Dantley | 28 |
Adebayo also attempted 43 free throws, another record for the league.
Miami Heat Franchise Records Broken
The game was not just historic for the NBA — it also rewrote the Miami Heat record book.
Heat Records Broken by Adebayo
- 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
Before this game, the Heat scoring record belonged to LeBron James, who scored 61 points in 2014.
Bam Adebayo’s Career and Season Performance
Adebayo has been one of the most important players for the Miami Heat over the past several seasons.
He was selected 14th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft and has spent his entire NBA career with Miami.
During the 2025-26 season, he has averaged:
| Statistic | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 18.9 |
| Rebounds | 9.8 |
| Assists | 2.9 |
The 28-year-old center is also a three-time NBA All-Star, has helped Miami reach the NBA Finals twice, and has won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
Scoring 83 points in a single NBA game is an achievement that only a few players in history have approached. Bam Adebayo’s remarkable performance against Washington showed a perfect combination of scoring ability, confidence, and endurance.
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While Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point record still stands as the ultimate milestone, Adebayo’s incredible night ensured that his name will forever be remembered among the greatest individual performances in NBA history.
FAQs
Who holds the record for most points in an NBA game?
Wilt Chamberlain holds the record with 100 points, scored in 1962.
Who has the second-highest scoring game in NBA history?
Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo, who scored 83 points in 2026.
What was Kobe Bryant’s highest scoring game?
Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in 2006, which is the third-highest total in NBA history.
How many free throws did Bam Adebayo make in his 83-point game?
He made 36 free throws, the most ever in a single NBA game.
What is the Miami Heat single-game scoring record?
The record now belongs to Bam Adebayo with 83 points, surpassing LeBron James’ previous franchise record of 61.
