Key Takeaways:
- Bam Adebayo delivered 83 points, achieving the second-highest scoring total in NBA history
- Adebayo set all-time NBA single-game records for both free throws made (36) and attempted (43)
- Miami Heat secured their sixth consecutive win, defeating the Washington Wizards 150-129
Adebayo’s Historic Offensive Showcase
Bam Adebayo produced a performance for the ages in Miami on Tuesday evening, scoring 83 points to propel the Heat to a commanding 150-129 triumph over the Washington Wizards. His tally stands as the second-most scored in a single NBA contest, with only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point outing in 1962 surpassing it. Adebayo accumulated 31 points in the opening quarter, increased his total to 43 by the half, and reached 62 through three periods before finishing his extraordinary night.
NBA HISTORY WAS MADE TONIGHT!!! HEAT WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/GcObYnIWG7
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 11, 2026
Record-Breaking Shooting at the Line and Beyond
Adebayo’s shooting statistics underpinned his scoring eruption. He converted 20 of his 43 attempts from the field, went 7-for-22 from three-point territory, and most notably, established new NBA records for both free throws made (36) and attempted (43) in one game. The previous marks were set at 28 makes (Wilt Chamberlain, Adrian Dantley) and 39 attempts (Dwight Howard), with Chamberlain recording his figure during his legendary 100-point night.
| Player | Total Points | FGM-FGA | 3PM-3PA | FTM-FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bam Adebayo | 83 | 20-43 | 7-22 | 36-43 |
Surpassing Legendary Achievements
With this remarkable display, Adebayo overtook his idol Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game, previously the league’s second-highest. He also obliterated the Miami Heat’s single-game scoring record, which had stood at 61 points (set by LeBron James against Charlotte on 3 March 2014). Before Tuesday’s contest, Denver’s Nikola Jokic had logged the season’s highest individual NBA score with 56. Adebayo eclipsed both in the third quarter before pushing his total even further.
Supporting Cast and Opponents: Contributions and Absences
Simone Fontecchio chipped in 18 points for Miami, who improved their record to 37-29 and extended their winning streak to six matches. The heat played without Norman Powell (groin), Tyler Herro (quadriceps), Nikola Jovic (back), and Andrew Wiggins (toe).
Washington, meanwhile, saw Alex Sarr leading with 28 points. Will Riley contributed 22, and Jaden Hardy added 17 during a testing spell for the Wizards – now facing a nine-game losing streak. The visitors were notably without Trae Young, who missed the match for right knee injury management.
Upcoming Fixtures
The Heat will look to extend their momentum when they host Milwaukee on Thursday, while the Wizards prepare for a trip to Orlando that same night.
