MIAMI — Monday was a historic night for the Miami Heat and one that star forward Bam Adebayo and his fans will never forget.
“I just thought it was amazing, man, you knew he was going to do something crazy because he started out hot,” said fan David Camarena. “You knew you had to tune in right away because something special was going to happen, and it’s just really cool to see man.”
Adebayo put on a performance for the record books, scoring 83 points against the Washington Wizards, the second-highest single game total in NBA history.
Adebayo surpassed his idol, Kobe Bryant, who scored 81 points in a game, and came up just short of Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100 points.
Heat fans were flocking to the team store at the Kaseya Center Wednesday morning, looking to get their hands on a little piece of history by buying an Adebayo jersey.
That includes a fan who was visiting from abroad and was in the arena to witness the historic performance.
“It was amazing, the crowd was cheering,” said NBA fan Nil Masata, who is visiting South Florida from Spain. “I don’t see a lot of basketball, but now I’m a big fan.”
Lakers fan Deshawn Raw said he loves Kobe Bryant but even he says he has to respect a performance like Adebayo’s.
“You know what, it is what it is,” he said. “Records are meant to be broken and if it isn’t Adebayo, it was going to be somebody. But you know, I might cry right now thinking about it. I’m mad, angry, upset. I’m from LA, no one wants to see that happen.”
Despite the negative feelings, Raw’s NBA fandom got the best of him.
“I came here to get an Adebayo jersey, of course,” he said.
The Heat later posting a photo with Adebayo recreating the famous Wilt Chamberlain picture, posing in the locker room with his 83 points written down on a paper.
For many fans, it was the kind of game they’ll be talking about for years.
And if Wednesday’s activity at the team store was any indication, Adebayo’s record night may have just created a lot more heat fans.
“New Miami Heat fan, coming from LA,” said Raw. “Went through the stages of grief, Adebayo man, you did your thing, keep it up.”
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