JJ Redick Reacts to Bam Adebayo’s 83-Point Game With Interesting Final-Minute Remark
While the Los Angeles Lakers were wrapping up a strong win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, the basketball world was drawn to a completely different storyline unfolding in Miami.
Bam Adebayo had just delivered one of the most shocking performances in NBA history.
The Miami Heat star erupted for 83 points in a 150–129 win over the Washington Wizards, surpassing Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81-point game from 2006. Additionally, it was the second-highest single-game total in league history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100.
Back in Los Angeles, where Lakers loyal fans were booing the announcement, head coach JJ Redick initially had no idea what was happening.
Redick revealed after the Lakers’ 120–106 victory that he had walked into the locker room and caught the Heat game late, and completely misread the situation at first.
“I walked in and saw the score and Bam was at the free-throw line,” Redick said. “I just thought, ‘Oh, they’re rolling.’”
JJ Reddick on Bam 83:
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 11, 2026
“I walked in and said to my staff ‘the Heat are rolling.’ They said ‘are you kidding right now? Bam has 77!’ I watched the last 3 minutes and that was uh, different type of basketball” pic.twitter.com/bc6wUX06Of
However, his coaching staff quickly corrected him.
“They all looked at me like, ‘Are you kidding right now?’” Redick said. “I’m like, ‘No, what’s up?’ And they’re like, ‘Bam has 77.’”
That’s when Redick realized he had walked into the middle of a historic moment.
He watched the final few minutes of the game as Adebayo pushed past Bryant’s famous scoring mark, though the closing stretch caught his attention for a different reason.
NBA World Reacts To Bam Adebayo’s Historic Game
While Bam Adebayo silenced critics in spectacular fashion Tuesday night, reactions from around the NBA arena.
The historic night not only set a new Miami franchise record, surpassing LeBron James’ 61-point game in 2014, but also moved Adebayo into second place on the NBA’s all-time single-game scoring list. However, the performance quickly drew reactions from around the NBA.
LeBron was among the first stars to respond, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “BAM BAM BAM” alongside multiple fire emojis as the points kept piling up.
BAM BAM BAM 💥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 11, 2026
Several other players joined the chorus of praise. Superstars including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic, Klay Thompson, and Kristaps Porzingis all reacted to Adebayo’s remarkable night, recognizing the rare achievement.
Not everyone, however, was eager to turn the performance into inspiration.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama acknowledged the game but downplayed its impact on him personally.
“Yeah I saw… there’s plenty of inspiration in the league,” Wembanyama said.
Reporter: Bam Adebayo scored 83 points tonight does that give you any inspiration to score
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) March 11, 2026
Victor Wembanyama: Yeah I saw…….. I think we're in a league where's there is plenty of inspirations to look up to but yeah I saw… *shrugs* pic.twitter.com/IklabVTfUi
Additionally, Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka also pointed out the unusual free-throw volume involved in the night.
Still, the numbers speak for themselves. Adebayo finished 20-of-43 from the field, 7-of-22 from three, and 36-of-43 from the free-throw line.
Well, the tanking stat line might seem like just another NBA record, but it takes more than just dedication to serve on the court for that long.
JJ Redick Reacts to Bam Adebayo’s 83-Point Game With Interesting Final-Minute Remark
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