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Bam Adebayo snubbed at ESPYs despite historic 83-point game

2026-07-16 · Bam Adebayo · Player Focus

Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point NBA game on March 10 was snubbed at the ESPYs, leaving fans and analysts fuming. The Miami Heat center’s record-setting performance-second only to Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game-lost to Shohei Ohtani’s postseason heroics, sparking a backlash on social media.

What happened at the ESPYs?

The ESPYs awarded Shohei Ohtani’s playoff performance-three home runs and six scoreless innings-over Adebayo’s 83-point explosion. The NBA community reacted with disbelief, calling the decision a "joke" and claiming Adebayo was "robbed." The Heat star’s game was the highest-scoring televised performance in NBA history, yet it failed to secure the Best Single-Game Performance award.

Why does this matter for Bam Adebayo?

Adebayo’s 83-point game surpassed Kobe Bryant’s 81-point record, cementing his place in NBA lore. The snub adds fuel to his competitive fire, potentially motivating him to push even harder next season. With six 70-point games since 2017, the league may soon see another scoring milestone-one that could finally earn ESPY recognition.

What’s next for Bam Adebayo?

The three-time All-Star averaged 20.1 points per game last season, proving his consistency. Now, with extra motivation, Adebayo could aim to break Chamberlain’s 100-point record. Whether he succeeds or not, his historic performance remains a defining moment in NBA history-even if the ESPYs didn’t acknowledge it.

Fan reactions and controversy

Social media erupted with outrage, with fans and analysts alike questioning the ESPYs’ decision. Accounts like *BamMuse* and *HEAT Realm* called the snub unjust, highlighting the rarity of Adebayo’s achievement. The debate underscores the subjective nature of sports awards, but one thing is clear: Adebayo’s 83-point game will be remembered long after the ESPYs.

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