Joel Embiid Makes History with 70-Point Game, Surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s Record

Joel Embiid Makes History with 70-Point

In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid expressed his appreciation for being mentioned alongside Wilt Chamberlain after his historic performance.

Scoring 70 points, he not only secured a win against the San Antonio Spurs but also surpassed Chamberlain’s franchise record of 68 points.

Reflecting on the achievement, Embiid acknowledged Chamberlain’s legacy in basketball history, stating, “Obviously, Wilt accomplished everything in the history of this league.”

Embiid’s unprecedented stat line of 70 points, 18 rebounds, and 5 assists set a new NBA record, making it a memorable night for the Sixers. The center credited his unselfish teammates for continually feeding him the ball, leading to his remarkable feat on the court.

“It was just a great night,” he said. “I had it going. I mentioned a few times, a lot of teammates are extremely unselfish and they just kept giving me the ball, and I just finished it.”

Embiid finished it over and over again, going 24-for-41 from the field and 21-for-23 from the foul line, eventually reaching 70 points when he went coast-to-coast for a layup over multiple defenders with 1:41 remaining.

He also had a season high 18 rebounds, 5 assists, one steal, one block, and just one turnover in 36 minutes.

In the first quarter, Joel Embiid showcased his scoring prowess with 24 points, followed by an impressive 34-point first half.

By the end of the third quarter, he matched his prior career high with 59 points, including a remarkable stepback 3-pointer.

76ers coach Nick Nurse noted the realization of Embiid’s scoring spree at the start of the third quarter, recognizing the potential for a record-breaking performance.

With a 15-point lead entering the final quarter, it was uncertain whether Embiid would pursue the record or rest for the night.

Despite San Antonio’s resilience, led by Victor Wembanyama, Embiid returned to a standing ovation with 6:38 remaining. Advising teammates not to force plays, he set a new career high with two made free throws and continued adding to his total.

The crowd eagerly demanded Embiid’s every shot, and he tied Wilt Chamberlain’s record with two free throws at 1:57. Going coast-to-coast for a layup, he reached the historic 70-point mark before being subbed out moments later.

This remarkable performance solidified Embiid’s place in a season of extraordinary offensive feats, placing him on course for potentially the greatest scoring season in NBA history, with 1,156 points in 1,096 minutes through 32 games—a pace matched only by Chamberlain in the league’s history.

Joel Embiid, already a two-time NBA scoring title winner, is currently averaging an impressive 36.1 points per game this season. This marks a three-point improvement from his last season, where he earned his first MVP award.

Teammate Tyrese Maxey, with 18 points and 8 assists, emphasizes the uniqueness of Embiid’s contributions. Maxey urges everyone, regardless of allegiance, to recognize the special nature of Embiid’s performance.

He highlights Embiid’s versatility, not just in layups or three-pointers but across all aspects of the game, including free throws. Maxey also acknowledges Embiid’s commitment to anchoring the defense every night, making him a complete player.

Rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, who faced Embiid for the first time, found the experience inspiring. Wembanyama reflects on the evolving nature of basketball, noting a return to a big man’s game, with players like Embiid showcasing versatility despite their height.

Embiid’s ability to adapt and elevate his game is evident, not only in his astonishing 70-point performance but also in his consistent improvement over the years.

Despite arriving late to the game due to traffic, Embiid’s incredible feat demonstrates his readiness. He expresses self-critique, feeling he could have scored even more, emphasizing the sheer volume of shots taken and the resulting big night.

Embiid’s continuous evolution and dominant presence underscore his impact on the current basketball landscape.