Adebayo Breaks Heat Record: 31 in First Quarter, 43 by Halftime
Bam Adebayo achieved historic milestones during an impressive performance on March 10, 2026, when the Miami Heat faced the Washington Wizards. He set a franchise record by scoring 31 points in the first quarter, breaking the previous record of 25 points held by LeBron James.
Adebayo’s Record-Breaking Performance
Adebayo’s record-breaking feat didn’t stop there. By halftime, he had amassed 43 points, which not only set a new team record for points in a half but also surpassed his personal best of 41 points, recorded during a full game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 23, 2021.
First Half Statistics
- Field Goals: 13-for-24
- Free Throws: 12-for-14
- Three-Pointers: 5-for-11
His achievement makes him the first NBA player to reach at least 12 field goals, 12 free throws, and five 3-pointers in one half since Kobe Bryant did it on January 22, 2006, during his legendary 81-point game.
Comparative Historic Context
Adebayo’s 31 points in the first quarter marked the highest scoring quarter in the NBA since Karl-Anthony Towns scored 32 for Minnesota on March 14, 2022. Over the last three decades, only four players have managed to score 31 points in a single quarter, including:
- Klay Thompson – 37 points (2015)
- Kevin Love – 34 points (2016)
- Carmelo Anthony – 33 points (2008)
Historical Half-Scoring Records
Adebayo’s remarkable 43-point first half ranks as the second-best scoring half in the last 30 seasons. The only player to surpass him during this period was Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 44 points on January 22, 2024.
The NBA record for points in a half is held by David Thompson and George Gervin, both of whom scored 53 points on April 9, 1978. This date marked the end of the regular season and a competition for the scoring title.
With this performance, Bam Adebayo not only made headlines but also etched his name in Miami Heat history. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see what he will achieve next on the court.