Patrick Beverley has stepped in to defend Bam Adebayo after the Miami Heat star’s historic 83-point performance drew criticism from some corners of the NBA world.
The reaction came after Adebayo delivered one of the most remarkable scoring nights in league history.
Beverley questioned why the performance was being scrutinized rather than celebrated.
Patrick Beverley defends Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game on social media
Patrick Beverley addressed the criticism surrounding Bam Adebayo’s performance in a post shared on X, where the veteran guard publicly questioned why the historic night was being downplayed.
“Hello again, asking for a friend again. Umm, [I’ve] been hearing a lot of discredit to Bam’s 83 (which by the way was remarkable and historic),” Beverley said. “Now if Wemby did the same thing, with the same shooting numbers, what would y’all say?”
Beverley’s comment came after Adebayo scored 83 points in a single game, breaking Kobe Bryant’s famous 81-point performance from 2006 and recording the second-highest scoring total in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game.
Despite the historic nature of the achievement, some fans and analysts debated how the scoring unfolded, particularly focusing on the large number of free throws involved in the performance.
Victor Wembanyama comparison highlights debate around Bam Adebayo’s historic night
Beverley’s reference to Victor Wembanyama was meant to highlight how differently the NBA conversation might have unfolded if a younger global superstar had produced the same scoring explosion.
Wembanyama has become one of the most hyped players in the league since entering the NBA, drawing massive attention from media and fans due to his rare combination of height, skill, and potential.
Because of that spotlight, many observers believe an 83-point performance from Wembanyama would likely have been treated as an instant cultural moment across the sport.
Adebayo, meanwhile, is primarily known for his defense, versatility, and leadership for the Miami Heat rather than as a traditional high-volume scorer.
That difference in public perception is part of why Beverley suggested the reaction could have been far more celebratory if the record-breaking night had come from a younger headline star.
Read more:
