Adebayo's 83-point game sparks controversy! Prominent journalist derides it as the most shameless stat-padding, multiple former colleagues of Kobe express dissatisfaction.

On March 12 Beijing time, in yesterday's game between the Heat and the Wizards, Adebayo played 42 minutes, shooting 20 out of 43 field goals, 7 out of 22 three-pointers, and 36 out of 43 free throws, scoring 83 points along with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, with a plus-minus of +21. This surpassed Kobe's 81 points, making it the second-highest single-game scoring performance in history, only behind Chamberlain's 100 points. Over the past day, Adebayo's 83 points have continued to generate heated discussion.

ESPN journalist MacMahon heavily criticized Adebayo's 83-point performance on a podcast, strongly condemning the actions during the final stages of the game.

MacMahon stated: "He was recklessly shooting three-pointers against triple coverage! Honestly, the ending was utterly terrible, ugly, and disgusting basketball... I never, ever (repeated six times) want to hear again about Heat culture or professional integrity nonsense, because this is the most shameless stat-padding I've ever seen! It's embarrassing for the Wizards and downright disgraceful for the Heat. Compared to that shameless 83 points, I much prefer the straightforwardness of Wembanyama's 39 points."

The Athletic journalist Amick suggested that, out of respect for Kobe, the Heat should have substituted Adebayo before he surpassed Kobe's record. Amick wrote: "Due to human nature, his (Kobe's) passing has made each of his most cherished achievements feel more weighty, and it seems appropriate to treat these achievements with a certain special regard. After Adebayo scored his high points, feedback from some of Kobe's former colleagues I contacted indicates others share this sentiment. Of course, he doesn't need to apologize. On the contrary, accomplishing such an incredible feat deserves praise from all sides; after all, 83 points is 83 points. It would have been better if he had stopped earlier."

Among the "former colleagues of Kobe" mentioned by Amick, perhaps former Lakers players Robert Horry and Nick Young are included.

Horry expressed on a program that Adebayo's 83 points should be marked with an asterisk. "43 shots, 43 free throws. I watched the highlights... 83 points is indeed astonishing, but at a certain point in the game, you must respect the sport. There were moments in this game that did not respect the competition. This will become the second-highest single-game score in history, but I would put an asterisk next to it."

Nick Young吐槽ed that Adebayo's point-chasing was too disgusting: "If Kobe knew about this from beyond, he'd probably be so angry he'd jump out of his grave!"

Of course, there are also statements strongly supporting Adebayo. For example, Giannis said that 30 years later nobody will remember how many free throws, only that the second-highest historical score belongs to Adebayo; stars like James and Durant also support Adebayo. What are your views on this 83-point performance? Feel free to leave comments and share your opinions.