Joel Embiid sets Sixers franchise record with 70 points against San Antonio
When your name is being put next to Wilt Chamberlain, something special occurred. And on Monday night in Philadelphia, Joel Embiid did something incredibly special. He scored 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs, setting the 76ers franchise record.
The way Embiid got his 70 points is quite incredible too, only attempting two three-pointers. He shot 24 of 41 from the field and made all but two of his 23 free throw attempts. Adding a casual 18 rebounds, it made for a nice double-double for Embiid.
Philadelphia was in a tight contest for San Antonio for most of the night but began to pull away in the fourth quarter. Usually, Embiid would hit the bench and rest up for the next game. But with history on the line, Nick Nurse kept his superstar in the game to chase history.
The moment came with just under two minutes remaining, going coast to coast for a layup on the other end, securing point No. 70. You can watch the full moment here.
Embiid is just the ninth player in NBA history to reach 70 points. His performance came on quite the anniversary as well, being 18 years to the date of Kobe Bryant reaching 81 points for the Los Angeles Lakers. Maybe it’s just something about Jan. 22 that brings a high-level scoring touch to the NBA’s best players.
With the historic night, Embiid raised his scoring average by a whole point on Monday. Which may not seem like a lot but he already led the NBA in scoring at 35 points per game coming into the night. Going for 70 only strengthens his case for winning another scoring title.
More than a scoring title might be on the line for Embiid too. He is right in the thick of the MVP race after finishing second to Nikola Jokic a season ago. Many felt like the 76ers star deserved the award but ultimately finished second.
Having a 70-point night will be something voters remember. As previously mentioned, being mentioned in the same category as Chamberlain — no matter the scenario — is rarified air in the NBA. Embiid truly pulled off something special.
Philadelphia now has a couple of days off, maybe having time to celebrate Embiid’s accomplishment. They will hit the road on Thursday to face the Indianapolis Pacers. If Embiid can get anywhere near 70 points again, it will be one of the greatest two-game stretches in NBA history.