Joel Embiid made NBA history by scoring a franchise-record 70 points for the Philadelphia 76ers in their 133-123 win against the San Antonio Spurs. This marked the highest individual scoring performance of the season. In addition to his scoring feat, Embiid set a career high with 18 rebounds too. He surpassed Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers record of 68 points from 1967. He accomplished this with an impressive 24-of-41 field goal shooting, including 1-of-2 from beyond the arc, and a remarkable 21-of-23 free throws.
AN HISTORIC 70-POINT NIGHT FOR JOEL EMBIID 👏
✅ 76ers franchise record
✅ 9th player in NBA history to score 70+
✅ A new career high70 PTS, 18 REB, 24/41 FGM, 21/23 FTM pic.twitter.com/gDKY2E9bVA
— NBA (@NBA) January 23, 2024
Joel Embiid in disbelief that he’s surpassed Wilt Chamberlain’s record
In the post-game interview, Joel Embiid expressed disbelief that Wilt Chamberlain had not achieved such a feat, citing Chamberlain’s legendary career. He commented “Wilt [Chamberlain] never did this? I don’t believe that. Some of those world records we still got to see but I’m sure Wilt, he’s done it.”
"Wilt never did this?" 😯
Joel Embiid was in disbelief the great Wilt Chamberlain never recorded 65 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in a game. pic.twitter.com/reU9wEGDPM
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 23, 2024
Wilt Chamberlain has 15 games with at least 65 points but failed to record more than five assists in those performances. Michael Jordan set the previous standard on March 28, 1990, with 69 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, four steals, and one block against the Cleveland Cavaliers in an overtime win. In contrast, Joel Embiid’s remarkable achievement came without the need for an extra period. By the end of the third quarter, he had accumulated 59 points, tying his previous career-high, along with 15 rebounds and four assists.
Joel Embiid dominated the San Antonio Spurs, showcasing his unstoppable “bully ball” in the first half with 34 points and 10 rebounds. Whether facing double- or triple-teams, Spurs had no answers for him. The game against the Spurs saw Embiid dominating every aspect, even against Victor Wembanyama, the NBA season leader in blocks.
Joel Embiid returned to the game with 6:38 remaining and Philadelphia leading 118-104. Unrelenting, he continued scoring both inside and out, reaching his 65th point with a pull-up jumper, surpassing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s previous season-high of 64 points.
Joel Embiid tied Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers record of 68 points with a free throw at 1:57 remaining, and moments later, he secured the record with a coast-to-coast layup, reaching 70 points at 1:41 remaining. The 76ers called a timeout, allowing Embiid to exit the game and bask in the moment, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.
Joel Embiid walks off to a standing ovation as the 9th player in NBA history to score 70+ points 👏👏👏 https://t.co/2znkwtF5Q3 pic.twitter.com/JQrBoEsRxL
— NBA (@NBA) January 23, 2024
Joel Embiid joins an elite group as the ninth player in NBA history to achieve such a scoring feat. Notably, this milestone occurred on the 18th anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s legendary career-high 81-point performance. With this record, he surpasses LeBron James too, who has a career-high of 61 points against the Charlotte Bobcats in 2014.
"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 is in a tight MVP race with Nikola Jokić, with both players winning the last three MVP trophies. Embiid’s recent monster performance, including a historic 70-point game and a prior impressive showing against Jokić, likely gives him an edge as the NBA reaches the midpoint of the season.
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