kelly oubre
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Kelly Oubre.
Despite defeating the Memphis Grizzlies, the Philadelphia 76ers had their focus on Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo right after their Tuesday night action.
As the basketball world watched Adebayo put together a scoring masterclass, the Sixers veteran Kelly Oubre couldn’t help but feel a little salty.
As happy as Oubre was for Adebayo, he wished Kobe Bryant kept his spot in NBA history when it comes to the single-game scoring records.
Bryant was pushed back to No. 3, while Adebayo secured No. 2 with an 83-point performance.
Kelly Oubre Reacts To Bam Adebayo’s Big Night
kelly oubre jr dfs sleeper
Stacy Revere/GettyKelly Oubre and the Sixers took care of business against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
“One thing I’m gonna say is it’s definitely legendary, the box score, right?” Oubre told reporters.
“The number and shoutout to Bam, right? He’s just implementing himself in history, and I’m kind of salty that he bested Kobe. He’s one of my favorite players, for sure, but I’m gonna just say this man, Joel did it efficiently, and he did it in three quarters.”
The Embiid comment was a popular one amongst Sixers fans on social media on Tuesday, but it lacks relevance in this case.
Embiid is certainly up there, posting a 70-point game in 2024 against the San Antonio Spurs. But the 76ers’ big man falls outside of the top 10 with that accomplishment.
As for Bryant, he was one of just two players to exceed 80 points in NBA history before Adebayo joined the club. The leader, Wilt Chamberlain, nearly did it twice, as he scored 78 points in a 1961 game.
Devin Booker was another NBA player to score 70, like Embiid, while Elgin Baylor, David Robinson, Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, David Tompson, and Luka Doncic all surpassed 70 points in a game over time.
The Miami Heat Made A Statement
Bam Adebayo, Heat
GettyBam Adebayo of the Miami Heat embraces him mom after a game against the Washington Wizards.
The Washington Wizards might be a rebuilding franchise this year, but the Heat can’t play around in their situation.
Miami wants a playoff spot without the Play-In. Each game truly counts.
Adebayo checked into Tuesday’s game for 42 minutes. The veteran center went 20-43 from the field, 7-22 from three, and 36-43 from the free-throw line to score his 83 points.
Adebayo also came down with nine rebounds, while producing three assists, two steals, and two blocks. The Heat dominated the Wizards with a 150-129 victory. Miami moved to 37-29 on the year with that win.
Where Do The Sixers Stand?
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 02: Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the LA Clippers in the second half at Intuit Dome on February 02, 2026 in Inglewood, California.(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The celebrations in favor of Adebayo’s historical night were warranted, but that win for Miami didn’t do the Sixers any favors.
Following the win over the Grizzlies, the Sixers moved to 35-30 on the year. Although they were recently holding the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, a recent slip down the standings has them placed eighth.
As for the Heat, they hold a 1.5-game advantage over the 76ers. Currently, Miami is in the midst of a six-game winning streak. The Orlando Magic, sandwiched between the Heat and the 76ers, are 35-28 on the year.