Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers was the main topic of discussion in the NBA on Monday night. He not only helped his team defeat the San Antonio Spurs 133-123, but he also accomplished a remarkable feat.
Embiid scored 70 points in a single game, becoming the ninth player in NBA history to do so in just 36 minutes of play. With a complete stat line of 70 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists, the All-Star center emerged victorious.
For Embiid and the Sixers, this performance is a compilation of new records. It marks the new single-game high in franchise history in addition to his new career high.
With 68, Wilt Chamberlain had previously held the record. He scored 100 points in a game while playing for the Philadelphia Warriors.
Teammates serenade Joel Embiid in the locker room
The Sixers made sure to throw a lavish celebration for this historic occasion after the game. After wrapping up his postgame interview, Tyrese Maxey shared a video of the squad berating him in the locker room on Instagram.
Views from inside the locker room following Joel Embiid's historic 70-point performance:
📽️ : @TyreseMaxey pic.twitter.com/XD1XvmttMw
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 23, 2024
This performance demonstrates why Embiid has been one of the NBA’s most powerful forces this season. This season, his 70-point outburst is the highest point total scored by an NBA player. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks set the previous record with a score of 64.
Furthermore, it happened on the anniversary of Kobe Bryant‘s all-time high of 81 points in a game. Joel did pay homage to Kobe on his Instagram post.