Many people probably didn't wake up today thinking, "This is the day Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo scores 83 points."
On a random Tuesday, Adebayo recorded the second-highest scoring game in NBA history after dropping 83 points in a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards at Kassite Center. He surpassed Kobe Bryant's 81 points and is only behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100 points.
Adebayo tied Bryant's record with a free throw with 1:37 remaining in the fourth quarter.
81‼️
Bam Adebayo tied Kobe Bryant for the second-highest scoring performance in NBA history 🔥pic.twitter.com/jQ5t7vf5i8
- ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 11 March 2026
A few possessions later, he was fouled again. He broke Bryant's record with two more charity hits, much to the delight of the crowd, who witnessed an unexpected event. iconic game.
Bam Adebayo scored his 82nd and 83rd points to surpass Kobe Bryant's mark of 81 inside Kasia Center.
He is now the second highest scoring game in NBA history!
A moment Miami Heat fans will remember for a long time
(via @ZachWeinberger) pic.twitter.com/lRP5vohjoi
- ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 11 March 2026
Somewhere, Bryant is already preparing to get back at Adebayo.
It was fitting that Adebayo took over and broke Bryant's record from the line as the five-time champion also tallied 81 points from the stripe.
Adebayo shot 20 of 43 from the field and 36 of 43 from the line. He also had nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
Adebayo isn't exactly known as a high-volume scorer, so it was quite surprising that it was him who broke Bryant's once-seemingly impossible feat. The three-time All-Star already had 70 points with seven minutes still left in the final period, and the excitement inside the venue grew with every Heat possession.
It's not every day you get the chance to surpass an absolute legend, so Adebayo took it – and rightfully so. Because Bryant would be the first person to tell him that he should never miss an opportunity to do something great.
