Getty
MIAMI, 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. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Former NBA All-Star Gordon Hayward surprisingly criticized the incredible performance of Bam Adebayo scoring 83 points in a single game. The Miami Heat center had a night for the ages to pass Kobe Bryant for the second most points scored in a single game and has the most points from a game with video evidence. However, some critics have claimed that it could be a bad thing for the NBA to showcase the league’s issues.
Hayward said the following to FTW and USA TODAY Sports:
“I think Bam is one of the best two-way players in the league at his position, but he’s not a scorer, right? So, for him to break Kobe’s record, I don’t think it’s great for the league. I think it kind of highlights how they’re already struggling.
It kind of feels like a pickup game when you’re watching. And for him to shoot 43 free throws and 22 threes, when that’s not what he does, it almost feels like… and again, the Wizards too. With all these teams tanking, it kind of makes it feel not legit, I guess, is what I would say.”
The belief of Hayward is that some will question how legitimate the scoring was due to multiple factors. Other former players and fans have chimed in with similar thoughts to make this a conversation.
Why Bam Adebayo’s Game Is Questioned
Hayward explained his point well, but it represented similar things that others have expressed since the Tuesday night game. Adebayo is not a generally great scorer compared to his All-Star peers to make it strange that his name now is next to Wilt Chamberlain and Bryant.
The horrible play of the Washington Wizards was also called out by Hayward. NBA fans have become sickened with the historic tanking this season. Washington trying to lose for the draft lottery saw them sitting out Trae Young and some of their other best players.
Adebayo was taking advantage of the situation, like every other star in the NBA would do in this situation. However, the late game scenario of the Heat fouling Wizards players to extend the game and other variables mentioned sparked criticism for an objectively impressive performance.
Gordon Hayward Called Out Bam’s Free Throws
Free throw shooting is another aspect of the game that many fans and former players disliked. Adebayo scored a single game record of 43 free throw attempts. Despite being an imposing center, no one would have named Bam as a realistic pick to break this record.
Hayward also mentioned Adebayo taking a shocking 22 three-pointers from deep since he’s also not an elite three-point shooter. It felt like an advanced player playing against amateurs and realizing he could get his point total to historic levels if he kept trying.
Regardless of what Hayward or anyone else thinks, Adebayo did something that only one other player in the league’s history has accomplished. History will see Bam right behind Wilt unless one of the other active players has a historic night to enter the conversation with them.