MIAMI & MANILA — Following Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point performance for the Miami Heat on March 10, 2026, players in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) are debating whether a similar scoring explosion could occur in the local league.
Adebayo’s 83 points against the Washington Wizards now stands as the second-highest single-game total in NBA history, surpassing Kobe Bryant’s 81 and trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100.
The PBA Perspective: Several PBA stars believe the league’s unique rules could actually make an 80-point game more attainable:
- The Four-Point Line: Joshua Munzon and Alec Stockton noted that the PBA’s four-point shot is a significant advantage not found in the NBA. Munzon stated, “If someone can get down and get hot from four… it’s possible.”
- Historical Context: The PBA has seen massive scoring before. Tony Harris holds the all-time record with 105 points (1992), while “The Triggerman” Allan Caidic holds the local record with 79 points (1991).
- Candidates for a Breakout: Players identified several modern stars capable of a scoring outburst, including CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, Calvin Oftana, and Marcio Lassiter (noted for his four-point range).
While Terrafirma rookie Geo Chiu cautioned that modern defensive schemes make such feats difficult, others like Munzon expressed confidence that it’s only a matter of time. The most recent major outburst by a local was Arvin Tolentino’s 51-point game in 2024.