Bam Adebayo Scores 83 With 36 Free Throws For Heat

Merlin sees Bam Adebayo erupt for 83 points in a 150-129 win over the Wizards, hitting 36 of 43 free throws and 20 of 43 field goals. The scoring outburst passed Kobe’s 81 to move Adebayo into second all time behind Wilt and set single-game marks for free throw attempts and makes by one player. Merlin notes the absurdity and the context. Adebayo is not a usual high-volume scorer and entered the night averaging 4.8 free throw attempts. Opponents will adjust and referees may let more contact fly. This felt like a comet streaking through the season, brilliant and rare, rather than a new norm for the Heat.