Bam Adebayo Defends Breaking Kobe Bryant’s Scoring Record With 83-Point Game

Miami Heat Bam Adebayo secured his place in basketball history on March 11 by scoring 83 points against the Washington Wizards, recording the second-highest single-game scoring performance in NBA history behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game. The historic scoring night also surpassed Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 for the highest scoring output of the 21st century.

The record-breaking performance drew immediate scrutiny from basketball observers and fans of the late Lakers legend. Critics questioned why Adebayo remained on the floor during the game’s final minutes with Miami holding a secure lead, noting that he accumulated many of his final points from the free-throw line.

Bam Adebayo Defends His Historic Chase

Appearing on the Makeshift podcast, Adebayo addressed the backlash regarding how he reached the milestone and made it clear he harbors no regrets about chasing the scoring mark. “I just went for it. I knew exactly what I was doing,” he said. “I don’t know how to say it without sounding vulgar: but I don’t give a damn what negative people have to say about it.”

The three-time All-Star explained that his mindset shifted when he realized the magnitude of the opportunity unfolding on the floor. With nine minutes remaining in regulation, Adebayo noted that he already held 70 points, forcing a quick internal calculation about whether Erik Spoelstra would sub him out or let him continue.

Chasing the Ghost of Kobe Bryant

Adebayo acknowledged that his admiration for Kobe Bryant heavily influenced his decision to stay in the game and push past the 81-point threshold. Growing up as a fan of the Lakers icon, the New Jersey native reasoned that Bryant would have done the exact same thing if put in a similar position.

“I idolized Kobe Bryant. In my head, I was thinking: ‘I have 70 points with nine minutes to play,'” Adebayo stated on the broadcast. When people suggested he should have stopped at 81 points out of respect, Adebayo dismissed the notion. “Why? So you guys could never quote me? I already know how Kobe fans are, I am one! If Kobe had ever found himself with 87 points with seven minutes left, I’m sure he would have wanted to go get Wilt.”

Adebayo Attacks Despite Physical Fatigue

The former University of Kentucky standout recognized that an offensive night of this magnitude might never present itself again. Even as physical fatigue set in during the closing minutes, Adebayo elected to keep attacking.

“I knew exactly where I was at that moment. I was exhausted, but I went for it,” Adebayo told the program. “I told myself: ‘I might never have this chance again.'”

More on this story: Bam Adebayo asserts he could have broken Wilt Chamberlain record · Giannis Antetokounmpo addresses potential pairing with Bam Adebayo