Typically, an 80-point performance would earn an NBA player widespread acclaim, but Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo has faced scrutiny instead. He poured in 83 points, the second-highest total in a single game in NBA history, during Miami’s 150 to 129 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, yet critics have focused on his 43 free throw attempts.
Part of the reason Adebayo’s remarkable performance is being downplayed in some circles is his high number of free throw attempts, but Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo believes that does not take away from the achievement. Antetokounmpo was asked about the feat during his media session following the Bucks’ 129 to 114 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
“83. Incredible. Incredible. Speaks volumes in his hard work. I haven’t seen the game. I have to watch the game and see,” commented the Bucks superstar.
Giannis Antetokounmpo defends Bam Adebayo’s 83 points
Apr 24, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to pass the ball as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) defends in the fourth quarter during game four of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
When it was mentioned that Adebayo made 36 of 43 free throw attempts, Antetokounmpo brushed off the point.
“It doesn’t matter how you get there,” the Greek Freak added. “All that means that you got it. Like in 10, 20, 30 years from now, nobody’s going to remember how many free throws he shot. I don’t think I remember how many shots Kobe [Bryant] shot or how many free throws he made or threes. All you remember is 81. Wilt [Chamberlain], 100. You don’t remember that. So, at the end of the day, he got 83 points.”
Adebayo’s efficiency did not match that of Wilt Chamberlain or Kobe Bryant, as he shot 20 of 43 from the field, 7 of 22 from three point range, and 36 of 43 from the free throw line. Along with the high number of free throws, the Heat have faced criticism for deliberately fouling the Wizards and keeping the 28-year-old on the court well after the game was effectively decided.
Jan 23, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks for a shot against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Ultimately, Adebayo scored 83 points in a single NBA game and deserves full credit for the accomplishment. The fact that the Heat secured the win adds another layer of praise in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s view.
Interestingly, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks face the Heat next on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Kaseya Center. Antetokounmpo joked that they plan to limit Adebayo to 82 points in their matchup.