Wilt Chamberlin, Bam Adebayo, and Kobe Bryant: the top three single-game scorers in NBA history.

On Tuesday, Adebayo exploded for a record-setting performance against the Washington Wizards. The Miami Heat big man scored 83 points on 20–43 from the field, including 7–22 from three, and 36–43 at the line. He took 86 total shots. 

“[It was] just a surreal moment,” Adebayo said postgame when asked about passing Bryant. “Being in the company with somebody I idolized growing up.”

Chamberlain’s 100-point record set in 1962 still stands. However, Bryant’s 81-point game in 2006 — the highest point total ever seen on TV, until last night — fell in a very unlikely manner. 

Coming into the contest against the Washington Wizards, Adebayo’s previous career high was 41 points, coming on Jan. 23, 2021 against the Brooklyn Nets.

On Tuesday, something was in the air for the University of Kentucky product. He exploded for 31 points in the first quarter —– a Heat record for a single quarter —– and finished the first half with 43 points, already surpassing his career-best mark.

Around the fourth quarter, Adebayo’s stats were the only thing I saw on my X, formerly known as Twitter, feed. So, like any normal person deeply invested in the NBA in the depths of March, I turned on the game. 

And, boy, was that a great decision.

The Heat went into the fourth quarter up 16 points. Adebayo had 62 points and had already broken the Heat’s single-game scoring record of 61, set by LeBron James in 2014. 

Although fatigue had begun to set in, Head Coach Eric Spoelstra — widely respected as one of the league’s greatest coaches — left Adebayo on the court. He was letting him go for Bryant’s 81. 

The latter half of the fourth quarter felt like watching a middle school game. The Wizards were double and triple-teaming Adebayo on in-bounds passes and full-court pressing him. It was as if no other Heat player mattered. 

The Wizards were 16–47 going into the contest, fully entrenched in tank mode for the past few weeks. Guarding Adebayo might have been the hardest they’ve played in months.

With 2:05 remaining in regulation, and the Heat up 144–119, the Wizards challenged a shooting foul on Adebayo only for it to be upheld. With 1:25 left, they intentionally fouled Heat forward Keshad Johnson to keep the ball away from Adebayo.

Johnson missed the first (not purposefully) and then intentionally missed the second free throw, letting Adebayo have a chance at the offensive rebound. 

The Wizards were operating like Adebayo was at 20 points in a game of 21. It was petty. It was incredible. He shot 16 free throws in the fourth quarter alone. 

With 1:16 remaining, Adebayo was fouled again. Fittingly, he stepped to the free throw line for his 42nd and 43rd attempts — an NBA record — and knocked both down. His 82nd and 83rd points, respectively. 

“Wilt, me, then Kobe,” Adebayo said postgame. “It sounds crazy.”

It is crazy. Heading into the game, Adebayo was averaging 18.9 points per game through 57 games — his season average jumped to 20 points per game. 

Personally, I could think of a laundry list of players I would have picked to pass 81 points before Adebayo. I’m not sure he would have even crossed my mind.

But on Tuesday night, the stars aligned. 83 points is 83 points. 

Chamberlain’s 100 is going strong on 64 years. Bryant’s 81 stood for 20 years. How long will Adebayo’s record stand? 

Probably until the Wizards play their next game.