Dwyane Wade
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Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade had nothing but praise for Bam Adebayo after his historic night against the Washington Wizards.
When it comes to Miami Heat basketball, nobody’s opinion is arguably as important as Heat legend Dwyane Wade.
Thankfully, Wade gave his stamp of approval.
Following Heat center Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point performance against the Washington Wizards on March 10, the three-time NBA champion had nothing but praise for Adebayo.
“I want to give Bam love for putting his family’s last name in the history books, like forever,” Wade said on his show, “WY Network by Dwyane Wade.”
“It’s stamped. No matter what the conversation is around the 83 points, from this conversation forward, his family’s last name, which no one at some point in life cared about outside of his family, is now in the history books. And they always got to talk about it. And they always got to mention it. So shout out to you, Bam Adebayo, for making sure that your family’s name is forever talked about. That’s legacy.”
Adebayo’s 83 points are the second-highest single-game scoring total in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s famous 100-point game against the New York Knicks.
He also joined Kobe Bryant and Chamberlain as the only two players to score 80 or more points in a single game.
Wade retired from the NBA at the end of the 2018-2019 season, but was teammates with Adebayo for his final two seasons.
“That’s my little brother, man. I’m proud of him,” Wade added on his show. “I know it’s been a lot of nights and days that he’s been confused about his role. His opportunities don’t look the same every night. I know it ain’t easy. But what you’re trying to accomplish will never be easy.”
“I wish I was in Miami right now. The buzz is back in the city. Let’s go. Let’s go.”
Bam Adebayo had the Greatest Performance in Miami Heat History
Bam Adebayo
GettyBam Adebayo’s performance was the best scoring performance in Miami Heat franchise history.
Dwyane Wade’s tenure with the Miami Heat was filled with historic moments, accolades and memorable performances. A Finals MVP award, scoring titles and 13 All-Star selections, just to name a few.
But he never had a game like this.
Wade’s career-high was 55 points on 19-30 shooting against the New York Knicks on April 12, 2009. He also finished the game with 9 rebounds and 4 assists. That’s 28 points less than Adebayo scored against the Wizards.
The previous franchise record for points in a game was held by LeBron James, who scored 61 points against the Charlotte Hornets on March 3, 2014. Adebayo passed his points total before the fourth quarter started.
“BAM BAM BAM,” James said on X following Adebayo’s performance.
How Will Bam Adebayo Follow up on his Historic Performance?
The Miami Heat are back in action on Thursday, March 12, against the Milwaukee Bucks. So how will Bam Adebayo follow up his 83-point game?
While it’s unlikely he has back-to-back games in the NBA record books, the Heat are still dealing with injuries to key players that will open the door for more scoring opportunities for Adebayo.
Heat guard Norman Powell remains out with a groin injury, and Heat forward Andrew Wiggins remains out with a toe injury.
Heat center Kel’el Ware missed the previous game against the Washington Wizards with a shoulder injury, but is active tonight.
With Ware’s injury, Adebayo was the only available center for the Heat who regularly is a part of the rotation. His rotation will likely take some pressure off of Adebayo.