Even while sidelined, Kyrie Irving remains closely tuned in to the NBA’s biggest moments. The Dallas Mavericks star is currently rehabbing during the 2025-26 season, giving him time to reflect on past performances-both his own and those reshaping the league’s history today.
On Thursday, Irving reacted to a resurfaced social media post that revisited one of his most memorable games with the Brooklyn Nets.
The post highlighted his franchise-record scoring night from 2022, reminding fans of just how dominant he could be at his peak. Irving responded with a playful remark, joking that he “shoulda went for 85,” a comment that carried a bit more meaning given recent events around the league.
That remark appeared to be an indirect nod to Bam Adebayo, who had just delivered a performance for the Miami Heat that stunned the basketball world. Facing the Washington Wizards on March 10, Adebayo logged nearly 42 minutes and put together an extraordinary stat line.
He scored 83 points while also contributing nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks, showcasing a level of offensive dominance rarely seen from a big man.
Historic scoring explosion
Adebayo‘s 83-point outing instantly secured his place in NBA history. The performance pushed him past the iconic 81-point game recorded by Kobe Bryant against the Toronto Raptors in 2006, long considered one of the greatest individual scoring efforts ever.
Now, only Wilt Chamberlain, who famously scored 100 points in a single game, stands ahead of Adebayo on the all-time list.
For Irving, the moment serves as both admiration and motivation. Although he has built a career as one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players, he has never quite reached that level of single-game scoring.
Still, his résumé speaks for itself. Since being selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, Irving quickly established himself as a premier guard. He earned Rookie of the Year honors and became an All-Star in just his second season, setting the tone for a decorated career.
Irving later spent time with the Boston Celtics before joining the Nets, where he was part of a highly anticipated superteam era. While that experiment didn’t result in a championship, it reinforced Irving‘s status as one of the most skilled scorers in the game.
Now with the Dallas Mavericks, Irving has continued to perform at a high level, averaging over 25 points per game during his tenure with the team. However, an ACL injury last season temporarily halted his momentum.
As he continues his recovery, Irving‘s lighthearted reflection on his own scoring milestone, and his acknowledgment of Adebayo‘s historic night, highlights the evolving nature of greatness in the NBA.
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