Adebayo’s 83-Point Night Sparks Debate: Shaquille O’Neal Defends Him, Charles Barkley Questions the Ending

The 83-point explosion by Bam Adebayo against the Washington Wizards was not just a historic performance. It immediately became a major talking point among former NBA stars and television analysts.

Some strongly defended the Miami Heat big man, while others raised a few doubts about how the game unfolded.

Among the most notable voices were Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, who offered very different interpretations of the night in which Adebayo surpassed the 81 points scored by Kobe Bryant, delivering the second-highest scoring performance in NBA history.

Shaquille O’Neal’s defense: “If you can make history, you go for it”

During an episode of Inside the NBA, O’Neal clearly sided with the Heat center.

According to the Los Angeles Lakers legend, many of the criticisms following the game were misplaced – especially those related to the large number of free throws.

I’m happy for Bam. He scored 31 points in the first quarter and then everyone says, ‘He shot 40 free throws.’ Well, stop fouling him

Shaquille O’Neal

O’Neal also pointed the finger at the Wizards’ defense, mentioning rookie Alex Sarr as an example of a night where Washington struggled defensively.

For the three-time Finals MVP, the issue is simple: when a player is close to a historic record, it’s natural to chase it.

To all the kids watching: if you have the chance to break a record, do it. If you can make history, go for it

Shaquille O’Neal

A clear message: opportunities to approach a legendary NBA record do not happen often, and when they do, there is no reason to hold back.

The controversial fourth quarter

The most debated moment came in the fourth quarter. Adebayo had already reached 70 points with 9:05 left, while Miami was leading 127-105. The game was essentially decided.

Still, the Heat center remained on the floor in pursuit of Bryant’s record.

Several late-game situations raised eyebrows among observers:

• Intentional fouls by Miami to stop the clock
• Multiple trips to the free-throw line
• A deliberately missed free throw by Keshad Johnson to create another possession for Adebayo

By the end of the night, Adebayo finished with 36 made free throws on 43 attempts, setting new NBA single-game records for both free throws made and attempted.

Charles Barkley: “Incredible performance, but…”

While O’Neal fully supported the performance, Charles Barkley offered a more nuanced perspective.

The former Phoenix Suns star initially acknowledged the magnitude of the feat.

When I saw 83 points, I thought: incredible. Truly incredible

Charles Barkley

However, after watching the full highlights of the game, Barkley admitted that the final stretch left him with some doubts.

I love Bam and he always does things the right way. But some things in the fourth quarter… let’s just say they raised a few questions

Charles Barkley

He also criticized the Wizards’ approach, arguing that the team should have double- or triple-teamed Adebayo much earlier, instead of waiting until the final minutes when it was already too late.

The criticism – and Adebayo’s response

The debate was not limited to television studios. Some observers even suggested placing an “asterisk” next to the 83-point performance, an idea supported by former Lakers player Robert Horry.

Adebayo, however, did not stay silent. The Heat center responded to the criticism by arguing that, if anything, the responsibility lies with the opposing defense.

The Kentucky product also shared a personal belief that resonated with many fans: in his opinion, Kobe Bryant would have congratulated him on the achievement.

For many supporters, that perspective restores the essence of the night – a remarkable performance destined to be remembered in NBA history, regardless of the controversy surrounding it.