I Witnessed Bam Adebayo Score 83 Points

Alright, so we’re at least 24 hours removed from Bam Adebayo’s historic night against the Wizards, where he dropped 83 POINTS in what was easily the most magical basketball experience of my lifetime. The only moment I can really compare it to is Ray Allen’s three in the corner in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals.

What makes this even more special for me is that I was actually there in person. I got to witness the whole thing from start to finish in the flesh.

Before tipoff, as they were announcing the starters, I noticed my friends didn’t recognize names like Kasparas Jakucionis or Myron Gardner. They’re casual fans, so I don’t blame them at all. But funny enough, that moment made me realize something. With Tyler Herro, Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins all out, Bam was pretty much the only real scoring threat on the floor.

At that point I assumed we were just in for a fun matchup between Bam Adebayo and the second year big man Alex Sarr.

And to be fair, that’s exactly what it looked like early.

By the end of the first quarter, Bam had already dropped 31 points, setting a Miami Heat franchise record for points in a quarter. Alex Sarr was impressive too, putting up 13 points on 6 of 7 shooting. But honestly it didn’t matter, because Bam had already scored more points by himself than the entire Wizards team had in that first quarter.

By halftime the energy in the building was already different. Bam had 43 points, which was already his career high for a game, and we still had an entire half left to play. I was already in shock. Watching Bam Adebayo, of all people, put on a complete offensive masterclass like that felt surreal.

I’ve always had faith in Bam’s ability to score when needed, but that night felt different. Something about it just felt… off, in the best way possible.

Then the third quarter happened.

Before we knew it, Bam had 52 points and I remember thinking to myself, “What is actually happening right now?” At that point I started cheering him on to chase LeBron’s career high of 61 points, the one he dropped against the Bobcats back in March of 2014.

Sure enough, Bam passed it.

He finished the third quarter with 62 points, officially surpassing LeBron James’ career high. At that moment I was completely mesmerized. We had already seen history, Bam had the franchise record locked up, and honestly that would have been more than enough.

But clearly it wasn’t enough for Bam.

He kept getting after it.

He reached 70 points, and before we knew it he passed Luka’s modern day scoring record of 73. At that point the entire building knew something historic was unfolding in front of us.

The final minutes of the game were definitely strange. A lot was happening and honestly the Wizards deserve some blame too for allowing things to reach that point, but that’s a conversation for another day.

What I will never forget though is the atmosphere inside the arena.

After every single bucket, including the free throws, the entire building was on its feet. And yes, there were a lot of free throws. Bam finished with 43 attempts and made 36 of them, both NBA records. Every single time he scored, the arena exploded. It got so loud that you literally couldn’t hear the PA announcer anymore.

Then came the moment everyone will remember.

When Bam tied Kobe Bryant’s 81 points, the entire arena was in pure shock. You would think the building would get quiet once he stepped onto the free throw line to break the record. IT DIDN’T.

Instead, it got louder.

Way louder.

The MVP chants started pouring in. The noise never stopped.

Bam stepped to the line and calmly splashed the first free throw for 82. The crowd erupted again. Then with the entire building roaring and the pressure at its absolute peak, he knocked down the second.

83 points.

Bam Adebayo finished the night with 83 points, shooting 20 of 43 from the field and 36 of 43 from the free throw line, officially recording the second highest scoring performance in NBA history.

And man… 83 points is 83 points.

Unbelievable.

But the best part for me? I was there. I saw it with my own eyes. No one can ever take that away from me, just like no one can take that night away from Bam Adebayo.

Shoutout to number 13.

Miami Heat captain.Olympic gold medalist.

And now the owner of the second highest scoring game in NBA HISTORY.

Respect to you, Bam Adebayo.

SALUTE.