History was written in basketball » With 83 points, Bam Adebayo became the second best scorer in a game in the NBA

The 28-year-old American had an unforgettable night on Tuesday, scoring a total of points surpassed only by the legendary Kobe Bryant. The center scored 83 points for the Miami Heat in a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards, while also setting league records for most free throws made and made in a single game.

Bam Adebayo made NBA history

The American center put up a show with 13/21 2-pointers, 7/22 3-pointers, 36/43 free throws, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks and 5 fouls, and is now second on the all-time scoring list behind only Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 100 points.

“For me, it was important to stay calm, focused and understand that I can achieve something special. I didn't think it would be 83 points. But to live this moment is unreal, because, like I said, to be able to do it at home, in front of my mother, in front of my loved ones, in front of the fans, is a landmark in history that will be remembered forever. Wilt, me, then Kobe. It sounds crazy,” said Adebayo, according to The Guardian.

• The all-time record belongs to Chamberlain, who scored 100 points in a game in 1962, a feat still unattainable. Kobe Bryant, one of Adebayo's idols, was in second place in this ranking, with 81 points.

An absolutely unreal night. Obviously, we have been blessed to witness many great moments in this arena. This just happened. Moments happen and I'm thankful we all got to be a part of it and see it.

– Erik Spoelstra, coach of the Miami Heat

At the end of the game, before leaving the court, Adebayo broke down in tears as he hugged his mother, Marilyn Blount. Until that moment, he had managed to control his emotions.

Bam Adebayo, with his mother / photo: instagram @bam1of1

He also aroused the admiration of his opponents, who praised him for his long performance.

“You have to give him credit. He shot great in the first half, scored really well. Obviously, it continued in the third quarter. They kept him in the game and called a lot of fouls, 16 free throws in the fourth quarter. I tried to take the ball out of his hands, but he still made free throws from 12 yards. I can't explain some of those decisions. That's all I have to say about it,” said Brian Keefe, Wizards coach.

The NBA's best performance this season had been Nikola Jokic's 56 points for Denver against Minnesota on Christmas Day.

VIDEO. The 83 points scored by Bam Adebayo

Top 10 players with the most points in a game

1. Wilt Chamberlain 100 – March 2, 1962

2. Bam Adebayo 83 – March 10, 2026

3. Kobe Bryant 81 – January 22, 2006

4. Wilt Chamberlain 78 – December 8, 1961

5. Luka Doncic 73 – January 26, 2024

6. David Thompson 73 – April 9, 1978

7. Wilt Chamberlain 73 – November 16, 1962

8. Wilt Chamberlain 73 – January 13, 1962

9. Wilt Chamberlain 72 – November 3, 19621

10. Damian Lillard 71 – February 26, 2023