Bam Adebayo described his 83-point display for the Miami Heat against the Washington Wizards as a "surreal moment".

Adebayo recorded the second-highest points in a single game in NBA history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962 after surpassing Kobe Bryant's 81 in 2006.

The Heat star set a new league record for most free throws made (36) and attempted (43) in a single NBA game, while he also made 20 of his 43 field goal attempts in the victory.

Prior to the game, Adebayo was averaging 16 points per game in his NBA career, making him the first player in the competition's history to score at least 60 more points than his career average entering the game.

His previous career-high was 41 against the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021, while his season high in 2025-26 was just 32.

"Wilt, me, then Kobe," Adebayo said. "It sounds crazy. Just a surreal moment being in the company with somebody I idolised growing up."

A night etched in history. pic.twitter.com/ibIZCYOjRT

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 11, 2026

"For me, it was just remaining calm, remaining locked in and understanding that I can go for something special.

"I didn't think it was going to be 83. But to have this moment is surreal, because like I said, man, to be able to do it at home, in front of my mom, in front of my people, in front of the home fans, this is a mark in history that will forever be remembered."

The previous franchise record for the Heat was LeBron James' 61 in March 2014, and Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra was grateful to witness Adebayo's historic display.

"An absolutely surreal night," Spoelstra added.

"Obviously, we've been blessed to have been part of a lot of big moments in this arena. This one, it just happened.

"Moments happen and I'm grateful that we're all able to be a part of it and witness it."