Kawhi Leonard was one of the NBA stars showing his respect for Bam Adebayo after the Miami Heat center’s historic 83-point performance against the Washington Wizards earlier this week.
The Los Angeles Clippers superstar’s comments come amid the criticism Adebayo received after he surpassed Kobe Bryant’s 81 points for the most points scored in a single game.
Kawhi Leonard Makes His Feelings Clear on Bam Adebayo’s Record Night
Speaking to the reporters after the Clippers’ 153-128 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Wednesday, Leonard praised Adebayo for his scintillating performance.
“I didn’t get a chance to see it, but it’s amazing,” the All-Star said. “He’s a hardworking dude, got better every year. It’s something to see. I’m happy for him.” Adebayo’s big night ended with the Heat mainstay shooting 20-of-43 from the field, 7-of-22 from the three-point line, and 36-of-43 from the free-throw line.
While it may not be 83 points, Leonard was a force for the Clippers with his 45-point explosion. The forward also grabbed five rebounds and dished out five assists. He shot 15-of-20 from the field and 6-of-9 from behind the arc as LA pulled off a major 25-point win.
Kawhi Leonard on Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game:
“I didn’t get a chance to see it, but it’s amazing. He’s a hardworking dude, got better every year. it’s something to see. I’m happy for him.” pic.twitter.com/IEuV2PgJmR
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 12, 2026
Leonard’s comments follow Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo’s take. “83 is incredible. It speaks volumes to his hard work. I haven’t seen the game yet, but I have to see the game. He took 43 free throws? It doesn’t matter how you get there. All that matters is that you got it.”
“Like in 10, 20, 30 years from now, nobody’s going to remember how many free throws he shot,” the forward added.
On the season front, Leonard averages 28.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists for the side as they continue to push for a playoff berth. The win on Wednesday improved them to 33-22 and put them eighth in the standings. The Clippers are on a three-game winning streak and trail the 38-27 Phoenix Suns.
At the time of writing, the Suns and Clippers are locked in for a battle for the eighth seed, the winner of whom takes on the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs. The Golden State Warriors are in hot pursuit as well with a 32-33 record and ninth in the West.
Up next, the Clippers continue their homestand, hosting the Chicago Bulls and division rivals, the Sacramento Kings, in a back-to-back on Friday and Saturday. Only time will tell if they can inch closer to the Suns’ record with 17 games remaining in their regular season.
