A number of Kobe Bryant fans weren’t that happy when Bam Adebayo broke his scoring record on Tuesday. The Miami Heat forward scored 83 points, surpassing the 81 points scored by Mamba in 2006 against the Toronto Raptors. It is now the second-most points scored in a single game in NBA history, behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 in 1962.
People believed Bryant’s and Chamberlain’s scoring records were untouchable. Players like Joel Embiid, Donovan Mitchell, and Devin Booker came within about 10 points, but none managed to break the record.
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Adebayo did it and the NBA world stood still as fans and players alike tried to process what had just happened. However, not everyone was happy. there were negative reactions, with some pulling the “ethical basketball” card, arguing that it was ridiculous for the Heat forward to reach 83 points while attempting 43 free throws.
Miami Heat Jumbotron shows Bam Adebayo’s scoring feat vs the Washington WizardsRhona Wise-Imagn Images
(Rhona Wise-Imagn Images)
Others believed the game was already decided early in the fourth quarter and that Erik Spoelstra kept him on the floor to chase Bryant’s record.
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Lakers legend Magic Johnson is singing a different tune when it comes to the conversation about Adebayo’s milestone. Turning to X, he congratulated the three-time All-Star in the most factual way.
The congratulatory messages Adebayo is receiving will block out the noise over-analyzing his feat, especially if it comes from his colleagues and some of the best to ever play the game.
Magic was not the only legend to congratulate Adebayo. The Heat star revealed that Michael Jordan, considered the greatest ever, called him after his scoring milestone.
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“[I got a call] from Michael Jordan,” he revealed in the NBA Count on ESPN. “Just congratulations. Very short and sweet. If you know Mike, he’s not talking a lot.”
Related: Poll: Who Did It Better … Bam Adebayo or Kobe Bryant?
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.