Bam Adebayo Drops 83 Points, Jordan Congratulates

Merlin sees a night carved into the record books: Bam Adebayo poured in 83 points in Miami’s 150-129 win over Washington, the second-most in NBA history and ahead of Kobe Bryant’s 81. He scored 31 in the first quarter, had 43 by halftime, finished with nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, and set an NBA single-game mark with 36 made free throws on 43 attempts. After the game Adebayo said Michael Jordan told him "Just congratulations," short and sweet. Merlin notes the shock comes from how far this ran ahead of Bam’s 18.9 points per game average and 41-point career high. It was a perfect storm of rhythm, fouls and opportunity that will force teams to rethink guarding him and how Miami builds around him. Whether it becomes a new chapter or a lone legend depends on usage and stamina.