Miami Heat Coach Defends Bam Adebayo 83 Point Masterclass

Merlin sees Miami coach Erik Spoelstra standing firm after Bam Adebayo’s 83-point explosion in a 150-129 win over Washington. Spoelstra told reporters, "I apologize to absolutely no one." Miami intentionally fed Adebayo late; he finished 20 of 43 from the floor, sank 36 of 43 free throws, and set single-game NBA marks for free throws made and attempted, the second-highest point total ever. The finish drew sharp reactions. Wizards coach Brian Keefe said, "In the fourth quarter, it turned into not a real basketball game," and Lakers coach JJ Redick called it a "different type of basketball." Merlin senses a simple lesson for the high school fan: Adebayo’s legend just grew, but the way it happened will invite league scrutiny and plenty of debate about fairness and records.