The Miami Heat star moved into second place on the list of most points scored in an NBA game, overtaking Kobe Bryant's 20-year-old record of 81
Credit: ESPN/YouTube
NEED TO KNOW
- A’ja Wilson teared up alongside her boyfriend, Bam Adebayo, during a post-game press conference on Tuesday, March 10
- The Las Vegas Aces MVP was emotional after the Miami Heat star praised her for his 83-point game against the Washington Wizards earlier in the night
- The longtime friends turned romantic couple confirmed their relationship in February 2025
Bam Adebayo is shining a light on his girlfriend, A'ja Wilson.
The Miami Heat star scored a historic 83 points in the team's 150-129 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night, and praised the Las Vegas Aces champion for her support.
During a postgame news conference, Adebayo was asked by reporters about how he was processing his feat of scoring the second-highest point total in a single game in NBA history, behind Wilt Chamberlain's 100 points scored in 1962.
Credit: Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty
The center, who sat at the mic next to Wilson, noted how his girlfriend was away for a week and missed the game where he scored his 10,000th career point on Sunday, March 8.
"She was complaining about how I got my 10,000 points and how she wanted me to wait, so to have 83 [points] the first game she's here is very special," Adebayo, 28, said.
"The behind-the-scenes, the workouts and the conversations are very motivating. Obviously, you see what she does and you get inspired everyday by that," he added of his girlfriend. "I'm thankful to have her in my life."
To a visibly choked-up Wilson, Adebayo added, "She's gonna cry by the way."
Credit: ESPN/YouTube
Wilson, 29, spoke to the press about why she was "hiding" in the tunnel at the Kesaya Center in Miami during the game.
"I see the countless hours that he puts in. I see the early morning workouts, the questioning, the self-doubt. I see all that," she explained of the Heat star. "So to see him thriving so well in that space during that time, I didn't want to mess up any mojo."
Take PEOPLE with you! Subscribe to PEOPLE magazine to get the latest details on celebrity news, exclusive royal updates, how-it-happened true crime stories and more — right to your mailbox.
"We are the two most routine people ever, and I'm like, 'Alright, if I'm not in my seat, he's doing pretty well.' I remember I sat down and you missed your free throw, and I'm like, 'Alright. Let me go back to the back', " she recalled with a laugh.
Wilson added, "But at the same time, I knew I just wanted to be there to show my support. This has been an incredible game, obviously, but journey for Bam. Witnessing it firsthand, the highs and the lows of it, it's been so much fun."
Credit: Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty
The WNBA MVP then praised her boyfriend for inspiring her in her own life, both personally and professionally.
"I know he says that I'm his inspiration, but I don't think he has a clue how much he inspires me to continue to be the person that I am, but to show up for him," she said. "That's my biggest goal. Always to be present and show up for him."
Credit: Travis Bell/NBAE/Getty
In making history, the Heat star surpassed Kobe Bryant's 81 points, which has stood second on the list for 20 years.
Wilson and Adebayo first sparked dating rumors after being spotted together ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. They remained tight-lipped for months, until the Aces player subtly confirmed their romance in February 2025 during NBA All-Star Weekend.
Later that month, Wilson was honored with a jersey retirement by her alma mater, the University of South Carolina. During her speech, she gave a subtle shout-out to Adebayo, who was sitting courtside.
"I wouldn't be who I am today without the love, support and sacrifices of so many people," she said. "What a blessing to have those most special to me courtside today, especially my favorite Olympian from out of town."
Read the full article here
