Joel Embiid drops 70 points

Before facing off against the Spurs’ rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, Joel Embiid gave him a long look.He then proceeded to show him what it takes to be the best in the NBA, as the reigning MVP.

Embiid was unstoppable in the paint on a historic Monday night, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 133-123 victory. He scored a career-high 70 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and dished out five assists, overpowering any defense the Spurs tried.

Historic night for Joel Embiid

Embiid’s scoring performance broke the 76ers’ team record, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain along the way. He achieved this feat by shooting 24 of 41 from the field and 21 of 23 from the free throw line.

He only needed one 3-pointer out of two attempts to reach the historic number. Embiid’s big game coincided with Karl-Anthony Towns’ 62-point outing in a Minnesota Timberwolves loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

This was the fourth time in NBA history that two players scored 60 or more points on the same day and the first time since 1978.No matter if it was Wembanyama, backup Zach Collins or any combination of defenders the Spurs threw at him, San Antonio had no solution for Embiid’s physical play.

The 76ers’ All-Star established his dominance in the first half, scoring 34 points and pulling down 10 rebounds, playing with his defenders in the post.

Embiid keeps foot on gas after halftime

Embiid accelerated his performance in the third quarter, where he achieved his eighth 50-point game of his career with over four minutes left.

By the end of the quarter, Embiid had equaled his personal best of 59 points along with 15 rebounds before resting on the bench. He maintained his momentum in the fourth quarter.

The Spurs stayed close behind, and Embiid returned to the game with 6:38 to go and Philadelphia in front, 118-104. He continued to dominate from everywhere, hitting his 65th point of the night on a jumper that broke the NBA’s season high of 64 by Giannis Antetokounmpo.

With a free throw at 1:57 left, he matched Chamberlain’s 68-point mark for the team. He then broke the record with a 70th point on a layup from end to end with 1:41 to go.

As Embiid was about to exit the game, the 76ers stopped the clock to give him a chance to enjoy the moment. He received a loud applause from the crowd as he left the court.

Embiid joined an elite club of NBA players who have scored at least 70 points in a game with his record-breaking performance. He achieved this feat on the same date that Kobe Bryant set his personal best of 81 points 18 years ago.

Welcome to the NBA moment for Wembanyama

Wembanyama showed his offensive skills with 33 points and seven rebounds for the Spurs, but he could not stop Embiid from dominating the paint.

Embiid used his size and strength to overpower Wembanyama, who was four inches taller but 71 pounds lighter.

Embiid also made his presence felt before the game, bumping into Wembanyama as he walked past him. Wembanyama’s height amazed Embiid, as it did most people.

Embiid, MVP favorite?

Embiid and Jokić are locked in a tight MVP race, having shared the last three awards.

Embiid’s recent surge, capped by a 70-point night on Monday, puts him ahead of the pack as the season reaches its halfway point. Embiid also outplayed Jokić last week, scoring 41 points with 10 assists and seven rebounds in a win over the Nuggets.

Embiid has scored at least 30 points in 21 consecutive games, a remarkable feat for the game’s most dominant big man. But none of his previous performances matched his historic display on Monday.

Read The Most Scandalous Celebrity Breakups of 2023

FAQs