Bam Adebayo showcased an incredible performance on Tuesday night, scoring 31 points in the first quarter against the Washington Wizards. This achievement not only set a new Miami Heat record for points in any single quarter but also tied the franchise record for points in a first half.
Adebayo’s Record-Breaking Quarter
Adebayo’s outstanding first quarter included impressive shooting statistics:
- Field Goals: 10 for 16
- Free Throws: 6 for 7
- Three-Point Shooting: 5 for 8
This performance marked the highest-scoring quarter in the NBA since March 14, 2022, when Karl-Anthony Towns scored 32 points for Minnesota. Adebayo joined an elite list, where only three players in the last 30 seasons have tallied 31 or more points in a single quarter:
- Klay Thompson: 37 points (Golden State vs. Sacramento, January 23, 2015)
- Kevin Love: 34 points (Cleveland vs. Portland, November 23, 2016)
- Carmelo Anthony: 33 points (Denver vs. Minnesota, December 10, 2008)
Previous Team Records
The previous Miami Heat record for points in a first quarter was 25, achieved by LeBron James during a game against Cleveland on March 18, 2014. James also had a notable 25-point quarter as part of his record-setting 61-point game against Charlotte on March 3, 2014.
Adebayo’s Career Highlights
Before this game, Adebayo had never exceeded 19 points in a single quarter. His 31 points tied for the 13th-highest scoring game in his career, approaching his personal best of 41 points set against Brooklyn on January 23, 2021. He matched his season high of 32 points with a free throw at 5:53 left in the second quarter, thereby breaking the Heat’s record for first-half scoring.
Adebayo’s remarkable performance underscores his development and importance to the Miami Heat as they strive for success in the ongoing season.
