Joel Embiid creates history by producing a franchise record 70 points for the Philadelphia 76ers in a 133-123 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Embiid became the 9th player in the NBA to achieve this scoring feat. Coincidentally Embiid scored his career-high 70 points on the 18th anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s career-high 81-point performance.
Embiid entered the game averaging an NBA-best 35 points per game. He scored 24 of 41 from the field, 1-for-2 from 3-point range, and 21 of 23 from the free throw line. After the game, Joel Embiid dedicated his 70 points to his favorite NBA star, Kobe Bryant.
Joel Embiid opened up on how important Kobe Bryant was to him and what it meant for Embiid to achieve this feat on the same day his hero did. Joel Embiid explained how he looked up to Kobe Bryant and learned a lot from the NBA legend.
“From the time I started playing, Kobe was my guy…he was the reason why I started playing basketball” Embiid said
Joel Embiid even labeled Kobe Bryant as the reason behind his getting interested in the sport and the reason behind his first steps onto a basketball court
"From the time I started playing, Kobe was my guy…he was the reason why I started playing basketball"
Embiid on scoring 70 PTS 18 years to the day after Kobe scored 81… and on Wemby calling his performance inspiring 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/Yl7iDN5aHV
— NBA (@NBA) January 23, 2024
Joel Embiid broke Wilt Chamberlains’s record
Embiid spoke about another basketball Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain in the post-match interview. Joel Embiid’s scoring of 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs broke the Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers record of 68 points, set on Dec. 16, 1967. This milestone surprised Joel Embiid too.
“I was actually mad at myself because I missed a lot of easy shots that I’ve been making all season,” he said.
“Obviously, Wilt accomplished a lot of things,” Embiid said. “To be in the same conversation is pretty cool. It was just a great night. Had it going. They just kept giving me the ball and I just finished it.”
Fans react to Joel Embiid producing 70 points in a single game
“Embiid’s homage to Kobe, scoring 70 on the anniversary of Kobe’s iconic 81-point game, creates a poignant basketball narrative. Wemby’s admiration only adds to the inspiring legacy” one fan commented
“Give that man EMVP!” another added.
Embiid is one of the best players in the current NBA season. Embiid is a strong contender for the NBA MVP because of his consistent performance throughout the season. Joel Embiid will be looking to continue his form and bring the MVP award home.
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