Magic Johnson
Getty Images
Former Lakers Legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Following a blowout victory for the Miami Heat over the Washington Wizards, messages have been pouring in for the big man, Bam Adebayo.
The Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson was one of the latest to shout out the star center, following a historical night.
Adebayo checked into the game for 42 minutes. He started fast, and it quickly became realized that the Heat weren’t seeing just any ordinary game from their veteran center on Tuesday, March 11.
By the end of the night, Adebayo hit on 20-34 shots from the field, including draining 7-22 from beyond the arc.
Legion Hoops
Bam Adebayo and A’ja Wilson now hold the record for the highest-scoring games among active players in their respective leagues.
Bam — 83 points A’ja — 53 points
Power couple. ❤️
He scored 36 points from the charity stripe. In the end, Adebayo finished the game with the second-most amount of points scored in a single game in NBA history. He’s between the record-holder, Wilt Chamberlain, and the late-great Kobe Bryant.
The Heat defeated the Wizards 15-129.
Magic Johnson Sends A Special Message to Bam Adebayo
via Magic Johnson on X: I want to congratulate Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo on scoring 83 points last night against the Washington Wizards – the 2nd highest scoring game in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain (100 points) and passing Lakers Legend and hero, the beloved Kobe Bryant, who scored 81 points.
Earvin Magic Johnson
I want to congratulate Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo on scoring 83 points last night against the Washington Wizards – the 2nd highest scoring game in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain (100 points) and passing Lakers Legend and hero, the beloved Kobe Bryant, who scored 81 points.
Johnson didn’t cross paths with Bryant as a player, but he’s a Lakers legend who was a homegrown star out in LA just like him.
When Johnson entered the NBA in 1979, he was the first-overall pick out of Michigan State. He appeared in over 900 NBA games during the regular season and 190 games during the playoffs.
The basketball legend averaged 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds throughout his career. He has plenty of accolades (5x NBA Champion, 3x NBA Finals MVP, 12x All-Star, 10x All-NBA, 4x Assists Leader), but Johnson hasn’t quite teased a scoring record like Adebayo managed to do on Tuesday night.
The Rise Of Bam Adebayo
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 10: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat celebrates with teammates after defeating the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center on March 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. Adebayo passed Kobe Bryant for the second most points scored in an NBA game with 83 in the 150-129 win. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The 28-year-old Adebayo is one of the top front-court players in the game.
In 2017, Adebayo was drafted 14th overall out of Kentucky. He joined the Heat, where he mostly came off the bench throughout the first two seasons of his career.
By 2019-2020, Adebayo became a full-time starter. From that point on, he didn’t look back. Now, he’s one of the most accomplished players in this era for the Miami Heat. Tuesday night’s record will only sharpen that idea.
Before this season, Adebayo had over 560 games under his belt. He has averaged 15.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists throughout his career.
Underdog NBA
NBA world reacting to Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game:
Erik Spoelstra: “I didn’t dare even think about taking him out.”
Brian Keefe: “In the fourth quarter it turned into not a real basketball game.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo: “It doesn’t matter how you get there … Like 30 years
This year, he is averaging 20.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists throughout 58 games. The three-time All-Star is leading the Heat through a season where they are attempting to make the playoffs without having to get in through the NBA Play-In Tournament.
With Tuesday’s victory, they slid into the sixth seed with a 37-29 record. There is still a long way to go for Adebayo and Miami, but this week is off to a hot start.