NBA history: watch the moment Adebayo goes past Kobe and second on all-time points list

Bam Adebayo has delivered one of the most astonishing scoring performances the NBA has ever seen, shaking up a record book many believed was untouchable in the modern era.

In today’s NBA – defined by relentless pace, a barrage of three-point shots, and players skilled at drawing shooting fouls – even the most sacred records are starting to look vulnerable. Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point game from 1962 still stands, but March 10, 2026, has now carved out its own place in league history.

The Miami Heat center poured in 83 points in a 150–129 win over the Washington Wizards, eclipsing the long-standing No. 2 mark set by Kobe Bryant. Bryant’s famous 81-point explosion against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006, had stood as the second-highest total in NBA history for two decades – until now.

Recent seasons had already hinted that huge scoring nights were becoming more common. Two years ago Luka Dončić reached 73 points, tying what was then the fourth-highest total. The season before that, Donovan Mitchell and Damian Lillard each dropped 71, while Joel Embiid hit 70 during Dončić’s record-setting campaign. But none had managed to surpass Bryant’s 81.

Adebayo did.

His scoring avalanche was fueled by an extraordinary night at the free-throw line. He converted 36 of 43 attempts, setting a new NBA record for both free throws made and attempted in a single game. The previous mark for attempts belonged to Dwight Howard, who reached 39 twice. The most free throws made in a game had been 28, shared by Adrian Dantley and Chamberlain – the latter during his iconic 100-point game.

From the field, Adebayo shot 20 of 43, including 7 of 22 from beyond the three-point arc.

The game also produced a cascade of personal milestones. He obliterated Miami’s franchise scoring record of 61 points set by LeBron James, and he passed this season’s individual high of 56 by Nikola Jokić before the third quarter even ended.

By the end of the third, Adebayo already had 62 points – a total no player had reached through three quarters since Bryant himself in 2005.

He started fast and never slowed. Adebayo scored 31 points in the first quarter alone – two more than the entire Wizards team – the highest single-quarter total in Heat history. By halftime he had 43 points, another franchise record for a half.

He even surpassed his own season high of 32 points with 30 minutes still remaining in the game.

“I’d love to relive it twice,” Adebayo said afterward, fighting back tears. “It’s a special moment. Wilt, me, and then Kobe… that’s crazy.”

His partner, four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, joked courtside after embracing him on the floor: “Well, I guess I won’t have the home scoring record anymore – but at least I’ve got something to chase.”

As the fourth quarter unfolded, Washington threw everything it could at him – double teams, triple teams, and at one point what looked like a four-man wall. The tactic only sent him repeatedly to the free-throw line, where he finally surpassed Bryant with 1:16 left in the game.

Just weeks ago, Adebayo’s name had surfaced in trade rumors around the February deadline. Now, wearing the only jersey he has known across nine NBA seasons, he has secured a place in league history.

And after a night like this, his career will never look the same again.

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