Sports columnist and analyst Jason Whitlock was one of the prominent names weighing in on Bam Adebayo’s record 83-point blitzkrieg against the Washington Wizards.
The Miami Heat superstar etched his name in the league’s record books as he surpassed Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s 81-point performance to become the player with the second-highest scoring game in NBA history.
NBA Analyst Minces No Words Calling Out Bam Adebayo’s 83-Point Effort vs. Wizards
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Whitlock made it clear that he wasn’t impressed by Adebayo’s historic night at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
“Basketball was my first love,” Whitlock said. “My dad took my brother and me to Pacer games in the ABA. Basketball has been destroyed. Bam scored 83. My mind can’t handle this.”
Whitlock’s take comes amid social media criticism that the superstar big man was chasing the record, rather than focusing on the win at hand. Adebayo broke Bryant’s record, hitting a pair of free throws with 1:16 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Heat later checked him out of the game a short while after.
Adebayo shot 20-of-43 from the field and made an astonishing 36-of-43 from the charity stripe. It also marked two NBA records for free throws made and attempted in a game. On his part, the center was a picture of gratitude.
MORE: WATCH: Complete Highlights and Stats From Bam Adebayo’s Historic 83-Point Performance vs. Wizards
“Man, I wish I could relive it twice,” Adebayo said, per The Athletic. “I credit God, my family, my teammates, this crowd. “Obviously, my teammates (were) very geeked at halftime,” he added.
“So for me, it was just remaining calm and remaining locked in and understanding I can go for something special. Now, I didn’t think it was gonna be 83. But to have this moment is surreal.”
Wilt Chamberlain continues to hold the record for most points scored in a game with his 100-point outing with the then-Philadelphia Warriors in 1962. Bryant later came second with 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.
The only other player currently in the league to have his name in the top nine is Luka Dončić with 73 points in 2024. He was still a part of the Dallas Mavericks during that time.
While Whitlock’s comments surely see him dish out a harsh take, there is no doubt that Adebayo and the Heat will remember his performance as one for the ages. On the season front, the 150-129 win saw the Heat improve to 37-29 and sit sixth in the East. Now, the focus returns for a playoff push as the regular season inches to a close.
