Many of today’s NBA stars shared their thoughts on Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point game Tuesday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić were among those offering congratulations.
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant, a future Hall of Famer and Team USA teammate of Adebayo, also weighed in on the statistical accomplishment.
Kevin Durant Shares His Thoughts on Bam Adebayo’s 83-Point Game
Speaking to reporters, Durant gave one of the most detailed responses of any player. He smiled and shook his head in amazement, saying he could not believe it when he heard the updates in real time. “I couldn’t believe it when I was hearing it in real time. I was like, ‘He had 30 in the first quarter?’ … Congratulations to Bam. I know how much work he puts in.”
I asked Kevin Durant about Bam Adebayo’s 83 point game.
“Something we’re going to be talking about forever.” pic.twitter.com/mRXm3XkBrY
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) March 11, 2026
When a Hall of Famer such as Durant expressed amazement, it underscored the significance of Adebayo’s achievement. The Heat center scored 31 in the first quarter, surpassed his previous career high of 41 by halftime with 43, broke the franchise scoring record by the end of the third quarter, and ultimately passed Kobe Bryant’s 81-point mark in the fourth.
Durant, smiling under his hoodie, also commented on Adebayo’s record 43 free-throw attempts and 43 field-goal attempts. “I looked at his stat sheet. Pretty crazy. 40 shots, 40 free throws — 43! That takes a lot of stamina, man, and a lot of energy to put those shots up.”
Durant then offered heartfelt praise to his Team USA teammate: “To pass Kobe as the second-highest scoring player in the history of the game, congrats to him on a huge accomplishment. [That’s] something we’re going to be talking about forever.”
His remarks carried genuine respect, highlighting the endurance required for Adebayo to continue shooting while facing triple-teams in the fourth quarter against the Wizards.
Durant is recognized as one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, yet his career high is 55 points, achieved in 2022 while playing for the Brooklyn Nets. Prior to that, his previous best was 54 points in 2014 during his tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over the course of his career, he has reached the 50-point mark on seven other occasions.
While debate persists about the legitimacy of Adebayo’s record, given the intentional fouling by teammates and coaching decisions that extended the game, one point is universally acknowledged: as Durant said, this performance will be talked about forever — and likely debated just as long.
