As Joel Embiid gives the city of Philadelphia a new spark of with a monumental 70 points in regulation, he also gives hope to a newfound confidence and will to dominate. As one of the premier big men in the league, we always knew he had the potential but to see him lay it all on the line solidifies his name in Philadelphia’s greatest moments. The six-time All-Star is dangerous with the ball in the middle of the floor. Embiid sets up about 15 feet from the basket, a spot where he’s hard to double-team and can see the whole court. Embiid is also benefitting from a deadly 15-foot jumper and improved passing. That has made defenses think twice before crowding him.
Those factors were evident Monday night when he finished with a franchise-record 70 points to go along 18 rebounds, five assists, and just one turnover in the 133-123 home victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
The performance marked the first time in NBA history that a player had registered at least 70 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists in a game. Embiid’s point total was also an NBA season-high, surpassing the 64 points Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo scored against the Indiana Pacers on Dec. 13.
Embiid is on his way to winning his third consecutive NBA scoring title. The six-time All-Star is averaging a league-best 36.1 points. His average is well ahead of runner-up Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks point guard, who’s scoring 33.6 points a night.
Embiid is also fifth in the league in rebounds (11.6) and tied for 10th with Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porziņģis for 10th in blocks (1.9). And he’s averaging a career-best 5.9 assists.
Joel Embiid channels idol Kobe Bryant as he scores 70 and breaks Wilt Chamberlain’s Sixers scoring record.
With Harden gone we get to finally see the true identity of the 76ers, Tyreese Maxy gets to display his talent and understanding of the game. Unfortunately, no one is dumb enough to even entertain a trade with Tobias, but even he has his moments where he looks like he belongs. Overall the only threat in the Sixers future besides staying healthy is the Boston Celtics, as they stand 4 games behind them cruising on a 6 game winning streak.
Congratulations to Joel and the Sixers organization, but in the great words of Kobe Bryant “Jobs not done”, lets get to the promise land.
