Heat’s Spoelstra defends Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point performance amid criticism
Nov 18, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra reacts against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Erik Spoelstra had a very clear message to those who didn’t like how the final minutes of Bam Adebayo‘s 83-point game played out. Put simply, the Miami Heat coach doesn’t care.
« I apologize to absolutely no one, » Spoelstra said Thursday. « Period. »
Adebayo‘s 83-point performance — now the No. 2 single-game total in NBA history, 17 behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 and two ahead of Kobe Bryant’s 81 — sparked controversy over the Heat‘s tactics in the final minutes. The team fouled Washington players on four occasions to extend the game and get their center more opportunities to score, while the Wizards at times quadruple-teamed Adebayo.
A moment to seize greatness
The Heat center took 43 shots in the 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards, made an NBA-record 36 free throws and had an NBA-record 43 tries from the foul line. Adebayo had 31 points in the first quarter, 43 by halftime, 62 through three quarters, and 70 with 9:05 left in the game.
« There was a moment, and when there’s a moment in time like that, it’s carpe diem, » Spoelstra said. « You have to go for it, and that was just thrilling. And I’m honored that we were all able to be a part of it. »
Adebayo himself was unapologetic about chasing history. « I’ve got 70 with, what, nine minutes left to go in the game? You think I’m not going for it? » Adebayo said. « If you get that close to chasing greatness, that’s the point of chasing it — so you can surpass it. »
The controversy centered on Miami‘s decision to foul Washington players in the final moments, though Spoelstra noted the first instance occurred with just 1:40 left and Adebayo already had 77 points. « I’m a Darwinist in this league, » Spoelstra said. « Really, you can do anything you want in this game. You can approach it however you want. »
Several NBA coaches, including the LA Clippers‘ Tyronn Lue and the Denver Nuggets‘ David Adelman, supported the Heat‘s approach. « When you get to 70, I’m sorry, man, like all bets are off, » Adelman said. « I thought it was really cool. »
Spoelstra defended his loyalty to Adebayo by sharing a personal story about the center showing up to support his annual 5K run for charity after a difficult loss. « That says enough about him as a human being, » Spoelstra said. « That’s why I’ll do anything for him as a competitor and as his head coach. »
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