The basketball world is still buzzing from Bam Adebayo’s single game performance on Tuesday night. What we saw from Adebayo was simply remarkable.
The Miami Heat center from Newark, New Jersey scored the second most points by a player in a game in NBA history. In scoring 83 points in a 150-129 Heat win over the Washington Wizards, one must realize the only player with more points in a single game came from Wilt Chamberlain, when he reached the century mark (100 points) for the Philadelphia Warriors in 1962.
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Inside look at the game
Mar 10, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) dunks against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Where Adebayo was spectacular was actually from the charity stripe. He set the record for the most free throws in a single game with 36.
Adebayo also made 20 field goals, and had seven three-point shots, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, two blocked shots and was a +20. What he did on the court was simply jaw dropping, and deserves high recognition.
Was it good enough to get into the Hall of Fame?
Mar 10, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) walks back to the bench during a time out against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Do not laugh at the question. The answer is it is very possible.
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While most of the criteria is based on longevity, what Adebayo accomplished on Tuesday deserves high recognition.
So what are Adebayo’s career accomplishments to date? They include being a three-time NBA All-Star, averaging a minimum of 15 points per game in each of the last seven seasons, averaging a minimum of 10 rebounds per game thrice, been in the conversation of Defensive Player of the Year on multiple occasions and winning the gold medal for the United States in men’s basketball twice.
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The bottom line is many players who are already in Springfield do not have the resume that Adebayo has been able to put together. He may not have the numbers yet, but after Tuesday, could be on pace for Hall of Fame consideration.
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