LeBron, NBA social media react to Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point game

Star NBA players like LeBron James take to social media to praise the Miami player’s incredible scoring achievement.Published On 11 Mar 2026Miami Heat centre Bam Adebayo’s 83-point performance against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday – the second-highest scoring game in NBA history – was a historic statistical line no one saw coming.The Heat star shot 20-43 from the floor and was 7-22 from beyond the three-point line. Thirty-six of his 83 points came from the free-throw line (36 of 43).Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4NBA: Heat’s Adebayo scores 83, surpasses Bryant’s famous 81-point gamelist 2 of 4Australia grants asylum to 2 more members of Iranian women’s football teamlist 3 of 4Late Yamal penalty salvages 1-1 draw for Barcelona at Newcastlelist 4 of 4Familiar foes Real Madrid and Man City renew rivalry in Champions Leagueend of listEntering the game, Adebayo was averaging just 18.9 points per night this season, placing him outside the top 40 scorers in the league.Now, the 28-year-old only trails the legendary Wilt Chamberlain for most points scored in a single NBA game after he passed the late Kobe Bryant’s 81-point masterpiece against the Toronto Raptors, set in 2006.Post-game, Adebayo spoke of the significance of passing Bryant, who he idolised growing up.“To be 83 and passing [Bryant], in my mind, it’s like, what would he say to me? Because I’ve always wanted to have a conversation with him,” Adebayo said. “He’ll probably say, ‘Go do it again.’“Just a surreal moment being in the company with somebody that you idolised growing up.”Here is some reaction to the Miami big man’s incredible scoring feat from some of the biggest names in the NBA:“BAM BAM BAM ,” wrote LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time career leading scorer, on X.“Bro, what?” said Jalen Brunson in disbelief.Former Miami Heat legend Dwayne Wade wrote: “83 for Cap”Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant, who was asked about Adebayo’s achievement in a post-match news conference on Tuesday, said:“I couldn’t believe it when I was hearing about it in real time. He got 30 in the first quarter … Congratulations to Bam. I know how much work he puts in.