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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 24: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 24, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Recently, Bam Adebayo expressed his frustrations with the Miami Heat being a Play-In contender again, rather than a legitimate playoff-caliber team. He put that frustration to good use against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, March 10.
The star center stepped on the court for an early March matchup and caused some serious damage to a struggling and rebuilding Wizards team. Over 40 minutes of action later, Adebayo surpassed Kobe Bryant in the history books.
After the game, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra spoke about his center’s big night.
Erik Spoelstra Drops His Take On Bam Adebayo vs. Washington Wizards
Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat
Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty ImagesMiami Heat head coach spoke on Bam Adebayo’s big night, following the Miami Heat’s dominant showing against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.
“This was just an absolutely surreal night,” Spoelstra told reporters after the game, according to Ira Winderman.
“I didn’t even dare think about taking him out. … It just kept on going.”
Spoelstra admitted that he felt more like a fan than a coach on Tuesday night. The performance was the type of game that any basketball fan–Heat supporter or not–couldn’t help but pay attention to what’s going on.
Ira Winderman
Erik Spoelstra noted he has the box score of LeBron’s 61-point franchise-record game, but it was lost in his house fire earlier this season. Say he can laugh about it now because he now has the box score with the new record.
While Adebayo wasn’t able to break the NBA’s single-game scoring record–coming second in front of Kobe Bryant–Adebayo shattered LeBron James’ previous single-game scoring record as a member of the Miami Heat.
More Miami Heat News: Bam Adebayo’s Big Game Sets LeBron James Off
The star center checked in for 42 minutes. He attempted 43 shots from the field.
Adebayo made 20 of his baskets, with seven of them falling from beyond the arc. He went to the charity stripe for 43 free throws. The big man accounted for 36 points from the line. He finished the game with 83 points.
Along with his scoring, Adebayo came one rebound shy of a double-double. He also produced three assists, two steals, and two blocks. The other three Heat players to exceed double digits were Simone Fontecchio (18 points in 22 minutes), Davion Mitchell (12 points in 24 minutes), and Pelle Larson (10 points in 24 minutes).
They ended up dominating the Wizards with a 150-129 victory.
A Look At Bam Adebayo’s Season
GettyBam Adebayo had a career night against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. The veteran center helped the Miami Heat move up a spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
Heading into his big night, Adebayo had 57 games played this season. Seeing the court for a little over 30 minutes per game, the veteran center has been producing an average of 18.9 points (44% from the field, and 33% from three), 9.8 rebounds per game, and 2.9 assists per game.
With Tuesday’s victory, the Heat managed to jump the Orlando Magic in the standings. The Heat will move forward sitting in the Eastern Conference’s sixth seed with a 37-29 record. They are riding a six-game hot streak.
Next up, the Heat will face the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, March 12. Then on Saturday, they’ll host the Orlando Magic for a pivotal matchup that could have high stakes due to the state of the Eastern Conference standings.