Reigning MVP Joel Embiid has again etched his name in NBA history dropping an extraordinary 70 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists in Philadelphia’s 133-123 win over the Spurs.
He shot 24-of-41 from the field and 21-of-23 from the stripe in one of the most electrifying individual outbursts in recent memory.
He becomes just the ninth player in NBA history to score 70 points in a single game whilst also breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s franchise record of 68.
He also joins Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor as the only players in league history to have a 70-point, 18-rebound night.
Prior to the game, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was candid when quizzed by reporters on how he planned to slow Embiid down.
“I don’t think it matters what we do. I can give you some bullsh-t if you want,” Popovich told The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov.
Embiid set the tone with a 24-point opening quarter before entering halftime with 34.
He scored another 25 in the third before sealing the 76ers sixth-consecutive win with an 11-point final frame.
It marked his 21st 30-point game in a row as he sets his sights on back-to-back MVP awards.
The performance also came on the 18-year anniversary of the late Kobe Bryant’s 81-point extravaganza against the Raptors in Los Angeles.
Having notched 59 through the opening three quarters, Embiid looked a chance to challenge Bryant’s 81 but instead settled for a casual 70.
He exited the game to a standing ovation from the Wells Fargo Center crowd with a little over a minute to play.
Philadelphia will be back in action on the road against the Pacers on Friday.
