Ever since Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a game back in 2006, many have wondered who would be the next NBA player to reach that milestone. Many likely would have chosen current Lakers superstar Luka Doncic to be the one, and he did have the most recent 70-point game, dropping 73 in 2024 as a member of the Dallas Mavericks.
But on Tuesday night, someone finally reached 80-point mark as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo surpassed Kobe’s iconic night by scoring 83 points in a 150-129 victory over the Washington Wizards. Adebayo knocked down 20-43 from the field and also set another NBA record by making 36-of-43 from the free throw line.
Of course, Doncic was asked about Adebayo’s unbelievable performance and the Lakers star congratulated him on his performance, but when asked whether he could one day match or surpass it, he wouldn’t go that far.
“That was very special,” Doncic said. “83 is not bad, very special, so congratulations to him. For me, I don’t know. Maybe it can happen, maybe not.”
It certainly seems possible considering Luka not only has that 73-point night, but also a 60-point outing under his belt as well. And he was unconscious when he reached that 70-point mark, knocking down 25-of-33 from the field, 8-of-13 from 3-point range and 15-of-16 from the free throw line.
Doncic getting scorching hot like that again is not unfathomable at all, but his night, much like Kobe’s, came in a game where his team needed every point. The Mavericks defeated the Atlanta Hawks that night by just five points and, of course, Bryant’s 81 came in a comeback win over the Toronto Raptors in which the Lakers trailed by double-digits at halftime.
Adebayo’s performance will come under some scrutiny, not so much because the Heat were blowing out the Wizards as most would leave someone in the game when they have a chance at history, but more so because of the tactics down the stretch in which the Heat were purposely fouling in order to get more possessions for Adebayo to surpass Bryant.
Even still, Adebayo had to make the shots in order to get those points and his historic night should be commended. Just like Kobe’s night, his 83 points will likely be surpassed one day as well, and Doncic will surely be viewed as one of the favorites to do so.
Bam Adebayo discusses what Lakers legend Kobe Bryant would’ve said to him after 83-point night
When asked what he felt Lakers icon Kobe Bryant would have thought if he were able to see his 81-point record surpassed, Bam Adebayo instead focused on what he thinks Kobe would have said to him personally if he were still around today.
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