Bam Adebayo delivered one of the most prolific scoring performances in NBA history on Tuesday, March 10, erupting for 83 points in the Miami Heat’s 150–129 victory over the Washington Wizards.
The total placed Adebayo second on the NBA’s all-time single-game scoring list. He surpassed the 81-point performance recorded by Kobe Bryant in 2006, with only Wilt Chamberlain’s iconic 100-point game in 1962 remaining ahead of him.
Speaking to reporters after the game at Kaseya Center, Adebayo was joined by his girlfriend, A’ja Wilson, and discussed the influence she has had on his preparation and mindset.
The Heat star noted that Wilson had been away the previous week and missed the moment he reached 10,000 career points on March 8. “She was complaining about how I got my 10,000 points and how she wanted me to wait, so to have 83 [points] the first game she’s here is very special,” Adebayo said.
He also credited Wilson’s work ethic for motivating him behind the scenes. “The behind-the-scenes, the workouts, and the conversations are very motivating. Obviously, you see what she does, and you get inspired every day by that. I’m thankful to have her in my life.”
Related: Jessica Alba And Joe Burrow Are Just Friends Despite Vegas Sighting
Adebayo’s scoring performance surpassed Bryant’s long-standing mark and moved him into second place on the league’s single-game scoring list, trailing only Chamberlain’s 1962 record.
A’ja Wilson Describes Watching Bam Adebayo’s Historic Night
A’Ja Wilson later explained why she spent portions of the game watching from the tunnel instead of her seat. “I see the countless hours that he puts in. I see the early morning workouts, the questioning, the self-doubt. I see all that,” she said.
The 29-year-old added, “So to see him thriving so well in that space during that time, I didn’t want to mess up any mojo.”
She said both players follow strict routines, and she chose not to interfere once the game began. “We are the two most routine people ever, and I’m like, ‘Alright, if I’m not in my seat, he’s doing pretty well.’ I remember I sat down, and you missed your free throw, and I’m like, ‘Alright. Let me go back to the back,” she recalled with a laugh.
Wilson also described the experience of witnessing the milestone performance. “But at the same time, I knew I just wanted to be there to show my support. This has been an incredible game, obviously, but journey for Bam. Witnessing it firsthand, the highs and the lows of it, it’s been so much fun.”
In Case You Missed: Pink & Carey Hart’s Kids Jameson And Willow Shine On NYC Broadway Night
The Las Vegas Aces forward said the inspiration between them works both ways. “I know he says that I’m his inspiration, but I don’t think he has a clue how much he inspires me to continue to be the person that I am, but to show up for him. That’s my biggest goal. Always to be present and show up for him.”
Wilson and Adebayo first drew public attention as a couple after being spotted together ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. Wilson later confirmed the relationship during NBA All-Star Weekend 2025.
