Bam Adebayo scores 83 points in a game: By the numbers
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Bam Adebayo Scores 83 Points, Second-Most in NBA History
Was Adebayo's 83-point game a historic achievement or a manufactured disgrace that disrespected basketball's integrity?
Above: Bam Adebayo interviewed after his 83-point game on March 10. Image credit: Megan Briggs/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This was a manufactured disgrace that disrespected basketball's integrity. Miami fouled intentionally while up 26 points and missed free throws on purpose just to create extra possessions for stat-padding. The NBA considers late baskets in blowouts disrespectful, yet extending a decided game by dozens of possessions through intentional fouling to manufacture points is somehow acceptable. The league should be embarrassed.
Narrative B
Adebayo's performance was one of the most incredible games in NBA history and it should be celebrated as such. Every legendary scoring game has happened against weaker teams with some garbage-time padding — Chamberlain's 100 came against a losing Knicks team, and Bryant's 81 featured late-game stat accumulation too. If gaming the system into an 83-point night were possible, someone would've done it already; this was a perfect storm of talent meeting opportunity.
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0