
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 22, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) is doused with water by teammates after scoring 70 points in a victory against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 22, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) is doused with water by teammates after scoring 70 points in a victory against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
In the clash of the centers, Joel Embiid established himself as the dominant force against the highly admired Victor Wembanyama. He did that by exploding for 70 points behind a 24-of-41 shooting against the San Antonio Spurs. With that, Embiid achieved the record for most points scored in the franchise’s history and also delivered the highest-scoring outing of the 2023-24 season so far. After the third, it appeared that Embiid’s historic night might not come to fruition.
With 59 points, he seemed poised to take a break for the remainder of the game. However, the determined Spurs compelled him to leave the bench, providing Embiid with the opportunity to become the third player in 76ers history to score at least 60 points in a game, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Allen Iverson. However, Embiid’s remarkable feat extended beyond just that. He also joined Michael Jordan as the sole addition to a prestigious list.
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Joel Embiid cannot believe he’s alongside Michael Jordan
Embiid now joins the exclusive company of Michael Jordan as the only player to achieve a game with 65+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 5+ assists. When questioned about the extraordinary accomplishment in the post-game interview, Embiid had a humorous reaction. Expressing shock at the stat line, he amusingly quipped, “Wilt never did this?!”. Quickly, as the chuckles subsided, Embiid radiated disbelief and declared, “I don’t believe that,” while trying to maintain his astonishment with a smile.
Joel Embiid's funny reaction on joining Michael Jordan as the only players to have 65+ points, 15+ rebounds and 5+ assists in a game:
"Wilt never did this?!" pic.twitter.com/ikk1yEsVSn
— Oh no he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 23, 2024
Embiid fired up in the opening quarter with 24 points, making 8 of his 12 shots. However, it was the third quarter that truly captured attention. After a remarkable half with 34 points and 10 rebounds, Embiid proceeded to dominate with a 25-point third, thwarting every effort made by the Spurs.
Heading into the night, Embiid had a scoring rate of more than a point per minute. Now, that margin expands even more. Currently, Embiid is averaging an impressive 36.1 points per game in only 34.2 minutes on the court.
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Despite the loss, Wembanyama shows promise
Despite a winning record and Embiid’s MVP candidacy, the 76ers recognized the need to make things challenging for Victor Wembanyama. Right from the start, they ensured this strategy was in play. However, as Embiid dominated the paint, Wembanyama showcased his versatility, ranging from coast-to-coast jumpers to long-range shots. The Sixers, leveraging the expertise of their veterans, managed to outsmart Wembanyama with a few tricks up their sleeves.
Read More – “Hammer His A**”: Gregg Popovich Issues Major Victor Wembanyama Warning to Reigning MVP Joel Embiid
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Nevertheless, through adept utilization of backdoor cuts, sudden changes in direction, and the incorporation of his left hand, Wembanyama demonstrated that with sufficient experience, he could become the next prominent center in the league. As the game concluded, Wembanyama had 33 points and 7 rebounds.
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