While receiving his NBA Social Justice Champion Award, Adebayo was asked to name his five greatest NBA players of all time. His list included Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, and Tim Duncan.

Despite LeBron’s four championships, four MVP awards, four Finals MVPs, and status as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, Adebayo did not include him in his list.

A decision based on Adebayo’s personal preferences

Instead, it may simply reflect his own basketball preferences and the players who have influenced him the most. Kobe Bryant’s inclusion was hardly surprising. Like many NBA players of his generation, Kobe was one of Adebayo’s childhood idols, and his work ethic and Mamba Mentality continue to inspire countless players.

Michael Jordan remains the gold standard for many NBA fans and analysts. His six championships, six Finals MVPs, and unmatched 6-0 Finals record have made him the leading GOAT candidate for many.

Stephen Curry revolutionized basketball with his shooting over the past decade. Tim Duncan’s five championships and sustained excellence over nearly two decades have made him arguably the greatest power forward in NBA history. Kevin Durant’s addition will shock many fans, but Adebayo has seen Durant’s unmatched scoring ability firsthand.

LeBron’s absence raises questions

Leaving LeBron James off the list is certain to spark debate. LeBron owns the greatest resume in basketball history. Along with being the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, he ranks fourth on the league’s all-time assists list.

He has won championships with three different franchises and now hopes to become the first player in NBA history to win titles with four different teams after joining the Philadelphia 76ers. Entering his 24th NBA season, LeBron also remains one of the league’s elite players after averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists for the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

In the end, Bam Adebayo still has nothing but love and respect for LeBron James as he takes his talents elsewhere. Speaking to reporters at his camp, Adebayo made it clear that everything is good between them.

“I’m cool with Bron,” Adebayo told reporters. “I consider Bron like a brother, honestly. We’ve been Olympic teammates, but even before that, we’ve always had down-to-earth conversations. I’m happy for him. You want what’s best for somebody. That’s really how you go from there.”

The Miami Heat were notably in the mix among several teams strongly pursuing LeBron James’ big-time unrestricted free agency this summer. Yet in the end, the team failed in its hunt as the four-time NBA MVP chose the Philadelphia 76ers for the next stop of his illustrious career.

James to compete against Heat in the East

James inked an astounding two-year, $8 million veteran’s minimum contract with the 76ers, giving himself the best possible chance to win his fifth ring by joining a stacked Philadelphia roster headlined by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Jaylen Brown.

After James informed the Los Angeles Lakers he will not return this offseason, the Heat strongly fantasized about a potential reunion with the superstar, who led the franchise to back-to-back NBA titles through four consecutive NBA Finals appearances last decade.

Upon landing Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Heat strongly sought to reconnect with James behind the efforts of Pat Riley. But as things turned out, the team will find itself facing James as another key opponent from its conference rival 76ers, as anticipation cannot get any higher for the upcoming NBA season.

Adebayo and Giannis pursue dominance

Adebayo was also asked about his early conversations with Giannis Antetokounmpo. “We’re ready to get to work,” Adebayo said. “The goal is to win a championship. We have a like-minded focus. Those first conversations are really about winning.”

Antetokounmpo and Adebayo were both clearly excited at the prospect of teaming up with James, and the Heat had built their summer around that possibility. What the squad has instead is a Giannis-Adebayo frontcourt that, on paper, is the most physically dominant pairing in the Eastern Conference, alongside a roster with enough remaining flexibility to add veterans who fit.

Speaking to the media regarding Antetokounmpo, Adebayo mentioned that he and his new teammate share the same agent and previously pondered whether a team-up could actually happen. Now that it has become a reality, Adebayo emphasized that the energy the squad gained is monumental.

“I mean, everybody has seen the battles that we had,” Adebayo said, according to The Miami Herald. “We got the same agent, and we talked about, like, what if it would happen? And now we’re to this point. So, I’m excited for the season. I’m excited to be his teammate. I’m excited for the city of Miami, and the energy we gained. And we’re looking to take that momentum into the season.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s arrival with the Heat

Miami acquired Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. by trading Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and significant draft capital, including three first-round picks, marking the beginning of a new era for the organization.

The former multi-time league MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and 2021 Finals MVP joins forces with Heat captain Bam Adebayo. On paper, the two form one of the most dominant two-way pairings in NBA history. Additionally, Klay Thompson could join the mix as well, with Miami holding the veteran sharpshooter as its primary target.

How Antetokounmpo enters the season

Antetokounmpo is coming off a 2025-26 NBA season in which he averaged nearly 28 points per game to go along with 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists on an absurd 62.4% shooting from the field. Those numbers put him firmly in MVP contention and reinforced his position among the top players in the league.

With Adebayo having recently turned 29 years old, maximizing the best remaining years of his prime became a necessity for the front office. Adding one of the greatest forces in the league accomplishes exactly that.

With nearly 11 minutes left in the second quarter, Adebayo fell hard on his back and was unable to return. Replays of the incident show Ball grabbing Adebayo’s ankle moments before the fall, an action that may have caused the Heat forward to lose his balance.

The injury forced Adebayo out of the crucial win-or-go-home game after he had recorded six points on perfect 3-3 shooting, along with three rebounds and an assist. Deprived of their star big man, the Heat eventually fell 127-126 in overtime. The Hornets now advance to face the loser of the 76ers vs Magic matchup.

Spoelstra claims Ball should have been ejected

Immediately following the play, the Heat bench protested vehemently, but officials were unable to review the incident due to a quick Hornets fastbreak. In his post-game press conference, Erik Spoelstra didn’t hold back, stating that Ball should have been ejected for his actions.

“I just, that’s a shame, you know, you should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game, you know, tripping guys, you know, shenanigans,” Spoelstra said. “Curtis (Blair) was there. It’s his responsibility to see that. And if it’s not his responsibility, then Zach’s (Zarba) got to see it. Somebody has got to see that… he should have been thrown out of the game”.

Ball apologizes for the incident

The Hornets star has faced heavy criticism from Heat Nation, as many believe the outcome would have been different had Adebayo remained on the floor. Following the win, Ball addressed the play during his post-game press conference and offered an apology.

“I apologize for that one. I got hit in the head, didn’t really know where I was, but I’m going to check on him and see if he is okay,” Ball said, via Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer. It is now a matter of time to see if the NBA’s league office will take disciplinary action against Ball if they determine his conduct was intentional or unnecessarily dangerous.

“I can tell he’s still out of shape,” Adebayo told reporters, reflecting on their relationship that dates back to when they were 12 years old. “You see what he’s gone through, and obviously [I was] checking up on him through the rehab phase.”

Tatum is currently navigating the difficult road back from a torn Achilles. While his recovery timeline allowed him to rejoin Boston for the regular-season stretch run, the explosive form that defined his pre-injury dominance hasn’t quite fully returned.

While Tatum‘s raw numbers remain respectable, his efficiency has dipped compared to past seasons. With the postseason looming, the Boston faithful are banking on their franchise cornerstone to rediscover his All-NBA rhythm before the chips are down.

Adebayo focused on Heat’s postseason push

While checking in on a friend is part of the brotherhood, Adebayo remains locked in on Miami’s seeding. The Heat are currently jostling for position in a crowded Eastern Conference, and the captain is keeping the locker room’s focus narrow.

“See if we can win all five, and then figure out whatever happens after that,” Adebayo said of the Heat’s remaining schedule. “Take it one game at a time, and whatever happens, happens at this point.”

Tatum’s comeback campaign

Since returning to the Celtics‘ lineup, Tatum has shown flashes of brilliance mixed with expected rust. Through 12 games, while averaging 31 minutes per night, here is how the star forward has performed:

• Points: 21.3 PPG
• Rebounds: 9.8 RPG
• Assists: 4.8 APG
• Steals: 1.2 SPG
• Shooting Splits: 40.2% FG | 32.1% 3PT | 82.7% FT

The historic night placed him alongside two of the greatest scoring performances ever recorded: Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962 and Kobe Bryant’s 81-point masterpiece in 2006.

His 83-point outing now sits directly between those two historic performances. From field goals to three-pointers and free throws, each game tells a story about how the points were produced and how they reshaped the league’s record books.

The stats behind Bam Adebayo’s 83 points for the Miami Heat

Bam Adebayo’s 83 points for the Miami Heat came in a 150–129 win over the Washington Wizards on March 10, 2026. He finished the game shooting 20-for-43 from the field, while also attempting a remarkable number of three-pointers for a player who usually operates near the basket, knocking down 7-of-22 from beyond the arc.

What ultimately pushed the total into historic territory was his production at the foul line. He converted 36 free throws on 43 attempts, setting new NBA single-game records for both free throws made and attempted.

Combined with his field goals and perimeter shots, those free throws allowed him to reach the 83-point mark in a game where he already had 31 points in the first quarter and 62 by the end of the third.

Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point masterpiece

Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game came on March 2, 1962, when the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the New York Knicks 169–147. He dominated the game primarily through relentless interior scoring, finishing the night making 36 field goals, repeatedly scoring around the rim against a Knicks defense that struggled to contain him throughout the game.

At the time, the NBA did not yet have a three-point line, meaning every field goal he made counted for two points. Another key factor in reaching the century mark was his unexpected efficiency from the free-throw line.

Chamberlain, who was often criticized for his struggles at the stripe during his career, converted 28 free throws in that game. Those points proved essential in pushing his total to 100, creating a record that still stands today as the highest single-game scoring performance in history.

Kobe Bryant’s 81-point performance

Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game occurred on January 22, 2006. Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Toronto Raptors, he carried his team to a 122–104 comeback victory.

He reached the 81-point mark by shooting 28-for-46 from the field, repeatedly attacking the Raptors’ defense in isolation situations and transition opportunities.

His scoring included seven three-pointers, which stretched the defense and forced Toronto to guard him well beyond the perimeter. He also capitalized on his trips to the foul line, converting 18 of his 20 free-throw attempts.

The combination of high efficiency from the field, strong three-point shooting and near-perfect free-throw accuracy allowed him to reach 81 points, a total that stood as the second-highest for nearly two decades until Adebayo’s recent performance.

“Number 1, for sure,” Adebayo told FanDuel Sports Network after the Heat’s 150-129 win in Miami, in front of a crowd excited to see him surpass the 81-point mark set by Kobe Bryant on January 22, 2006.

Wilt Chamberlain still holds the record for the most points scored by a single player in an NBA game, having posted 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks in 1962.

Only Wilt Chamberlain had a highest-scoring game than Adebayo

Adebayo, however, can still take pride in holding the second highest-scoring game in league history. “Obviously, top three performances of all time,” Adebayo told Norman Powell when his teammate mentioned Wilt and Kobe’s numbers.

Even though Chamberlain still tops the list, Adebayo’s performance counts with video evidence, something Wilt’s historic game doesn’t. It may not change the facts, but at least Bam can look back at the highlights from his historic night any time he wants.

How Adebayo reached the 83 points in historic night in Miami

It appeared to be written in the stars, as Adebayo admitted postgame that he felt this could be a special game when he already had 43 points at halftime. It all started with a strong first quarter, where his 31 points outscored the 29 scored by the entire Wizards team.

When he surpassed the 70-point mark in the fourth quarter and it was evident that Adebayo was on pace to surpass Bryant, the Heat did everything in their power to help Bam make history.

The final minutes at the Kaseya Center were wild, with the crowd on the edge of their seats as the Heat’s only intention was to help Bam score, whereas the Wizards tried to stop Adebayo from making them the victims of a record.

In the end, the Heat’s effort paid off as Adebayo got enough shots to surpass Kobe and set a new milestone. Getting to Chamberlain’s 100 points remains a nearly impossible goal for any player, but Adebayo got closer than many all-time greats.

Adebayo breaks the Heat record set by LeBron James

LeBron James held the previous record in franchise history, with 61 points for the Heat against the Charlotte Bobcats on March 3, 2014. On Tuesday night, Adebayo scored 20 of 43 field goals, 7 of 22 three-pointers, and 36 of 43 free throws to leave The King behind.

The numbers don’t lie. Adebayo has once again proved what he’s capable of, and even if he eventually has a night off, his 83-point performance will always be a reminder of how much respect he deserves.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Heat have downgraded Bam Adebayo to doubtful due to lower back soreness. While not yet officially ruled out, the downgrade suggests the three-time All-Star is unlikely to suit up for tonight’s matchup.

The Heat are mired in a mid-season slump, having dropped three straight games and managing just two wins over their last 10 outings. Adebayo’s potential absence headlines a crowded injury report for Miami.

While the star center is doubtful, the team expects some reinforcements as Nikola Jovic (elbow), Pelle Larsson (ankle), and Keshad Johnson (illness) are all listed as probable for the matchup in Atlanta.

However, the Heat remain without their top perimeter threat, Tyler Herro. The All-Star guard has been ruled out for his sixth consecutive game as he continues to recover from a persistent right big toe contusion.

Adebayo facing mid-season struggles

The Heat’s current slide is mirrored by the uncharacteristic struggles of their captain. Bam Adebayo has looked like a shadow of the dominant force the league is accustomed to seeing.

“It sucks,” Adebayo told reporters following a recent loss to the Raptors, per Zachary Weinberger. “But it’s part of the NBA; it’s a long season. So, fighting through whatever I’ve got to fight through, figuring out how I can impact winning, and doing that instead of focusing on shots not falling. Just play basketball and shots will eventually start falling”.

While there is plenty of basketball left to be played, the numbers are concerning. Adebayo is currently on pace for his lowest scoring average since the 2019-20 campaign with 18 points per game and is shooting a career-low 46.6% from the field.

It is critical for the Heat to get Adebayo back to his dominant form. Miami currently sits at 15-15 on the season and is desperate to avoid falling below the .500 mark as they battle to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

With Herro headlining Miami’s injury report ahead of Friday’s in-state showdown, concern continues to grow that he could miss additional time beyond this matchup. The Heat guard is set to undergo an MRI and has already been ruled out against Orlando.

“I pray for him, man, because I know it’s tough mentally,” Adebayo told The Miami Herald. “Obviously, you fight your way throughout the summer, then you have surgery, and then you come back, and it’s like another injury. So I know it’s tough on the mental. But we’re all family. We’re all here to be by his side and be with him as he gets healthy again.”

Adebayo elaborated on how even seemingly minor injuries can create major limitations in the NBA. “Listen, you don’t realize how gratifying it is to have a functional toe until it’s not functional,” he said. “People don’t think about pushing off screens — we have to run, jump. It plays a big part in our sport.”

The games Tyler Herro has missed

Herro already missed six games earlier this season due to a toe sprain that caused significant discomfort. The situation is particularly frustrating considering he had just returned from offseason ankle surgery and had worked his way back into rhythm.

Before falling out of the lineup again, the Heat guard played five games and looked sharp, averaging 23.8 points while shooting 52.4% from the field and 48.4% from three-point range. His scoring punch has been an essential part of Miami’s offensive identity.

How this affects the Heat

This is certainly an unfavorable scenario for Miami. On one hand, they remain without Herro’s offensive firepower. On the other, Orlando receive a major boost with Paolo Banchero confirming he is ready to return — adding even more strength to a Magic team that has been highly efficient on that end of the floor.

For those expecting both of them back, we may have bittersweet news. Though Adebayo will play against the Warriors tonight, the Heat will have to wait a bit longer for Herro’s long-awaited return.

After missing Adebayo for the last six games due to a toe injury, the Heat received a positive update on their big man. As announced by Miami on its social media, Adebayo is available to play against the visiting Warriors. However, as reported by @UnderdogNBA, coach Erik Spoelstra will monitor Adebayo’s minutes tonight.

Unfortunately, the Warriors fixture comes a bit too soon for Herro, who is listed as out as he’s coming back from an ankle surgery underwent in September. The 2025 NBA All-Star is in a good direction though, having returned to practice on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after that session, Herro revealed he’s still a week or two away from returning to NBA action. The guard added that his body is responding well to the increased workload, which is great news for Heat nation.

How have the Heat fared without Adebayo and Herro this season?

Even though having Adebayo and Herro back would allow Miami to play at full strength and probably take its game to the next level, the Heat have so far responded quite decently to their absences. They have won four of the six games they’ve played since Adebayo exited the Denver Nuggets loss injured, including a hard-fought home victory against the New York Knicks last time out.

In Herro‘s absence, Miami has found a prolific scorer in Norman Powell, who is shining with 25.5 points per game after arriving in South Florida via trade from the Los Angeles Clippers in the offseason.

Second-year center Kel’el Ware, meanwhile, has stepped up after Adebayo’s injury with strong defensive performances. On Monday, he logged 14 rebounds, three blocks, and one steal to help Miami beat New York 115-113.

Tonight’s game will be the Heat’s eighth home outing of the 2025-26 NBA season, having lost just once at the Kaseya Center this campaign. That loss came against a Cleveland Cavaliers team that rested most of their starters though.

Stephen Curry out, Jimmy Butler may not play in Miami tonight

The Heat, currently just above .500 at 8-6, are 5-5 in their last 10 games, just like the Warriors. And Golden State (9-7) is also facing questions when it comes to its roster’s health, with key players uncertain for tonight’s showdown.

Many eyes are on Jimmy Butler, who isn’t confirmed to play the Heat, his former team, when the Warriors visit Miami tonight. Speaking to the media after the Dubs’ loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, Butler left his status up in the air by saying he would see how he felt when he woke up. On Wednesday, he was listed as questionable.

On top of that, Stephen Curry will not be playing tonight against the Heat. Having tweaked his ankle during the first half of the 121-113 loss in Orlando, Steph has been listed as out. To make matters worse for the Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga is also out, with Draymond Green and Buddy Hield questionable. This situation suggests that the Heat might host a short-handed Warriors team in Downtown Miami.

Speaking after Thursday’s practice, returning to full participation following a knee injury, Adebayo was asked about the news. He told ClutchPoints that Spoelstra is “up for that challenge” and emphasized that the goal is to uphold the “standard” established within the Miami organization.

“I mean, it’s a responsibility, and he’s up for that challenge,” Adebayo said. “He wants to go on and win gold. That’s the standard for us, and we believe he can do it.”

Adebayo brings significant Team USA experience, having won two gold medals with the program. Most recently, he competed in Paris last year, where Spoelstra served as an assistant coach under Kerr.

What’s next for Spoelstra?

Although it’s now official, Spoelstra’s future with the Heat remains uncertain, but confidence in his leadership is unwavering. Before the announcement, when reports first surfaced that Spoelstra would take over Team USA, Adebayo praised the coach as a “mad scientist.”

“We don’t know what’s going to happen with Spo,” Adebayo said last week after practice. “We just know he’s a mad scientist in the game. When he gets into his playbook, his schemes, and watches the game, he’s a mad scientist. From that standpoint, progression-wise, I feel like he could have done that six years ago if he wanted to.”

In the short term, Spoelstra is focused on improving the Heat after they finished 10th in the Eastern Conference, with the regular season opener set for Oct. 22 against the Orlando Magic.