Which records did Joel Embiid break as he dropped 70 points?
Joel Embiid’s 70-point performance helps the 76ers to victory, breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s franchise record. A night of records also saw Anthony Towns score 62.
In a remarkable display of talent, Joel Embiid etched his name in the record books by scoring a franchise-record 70 points, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a thrilling 133-123 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
Records galore as Embiid drops a 70-pointer
Embiid’s historic performance also included a career-high 18 rebounds. Shooting 24 of 41 from the field, 1 of 2 from three-point range, and an impressive 21 of 23 from the free-throw line, he surpassed Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers record of 68 points set in December 1967.
Acknowledging the significance of being mentioned alongside Wilt Chamberlain, Embiid said, “Obviously, Wilt accomplished everything in the history of this league, and basketball in general. So to be in the same conversation, that’s pretty cool.”
A six-time All-Star and the reigning MVP, Embiid’s stellar performance marked his 21st consecutive game with at least 30 points, contributing to the 76ers’ six-game winning streak.
Rookie Victor Wembanyama impresses fans
In another standout moment, rookie Victor Wembanyama scored 33 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 29 minutes in the first matchup against Embiid. However, the rebuilding Spurs fell to 5-19 on the road.
Embiid, who tied his career-high of 59 points through three quarters, re-entered the game with 6:38 left, and the 76ers ahead 118-104. With the record within reach, the team consistently fed him the ball, leading to the historic achievement.
Coach Nick Nurse speaks about the record
76ers coach Nick Nurse acknowledged Embiid’s versatility, stating, “Obviously, he can score in so many ways, just his sheer size gets him a lot of stuff around the basket, gets him a lot of free throws. The shooting touch is the skill part. The way he moves, the skill he has, the size he is, and he gets motivated like that, anything can happen I guess.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s previous high game of 64 points in the NBA this season was surpassed by Embiid’s extraordinary feat.
Karl-Anthony Towns smashes franchise record as well
Simultaneously, in another NBA night of records, Karl-Anthony Towns scored 62 points for the Minnesota Timberwolves, setting franchise records. Despite his spectacular performance, the Wolves lost 128-125 to the Charlotte Hornets.
Towns finished 21 of 35 from the field, 10 of 15 from three-point range, and 10 of 14 from the foul line. While he set records for the Timberwolves, the team’s defeat prompted criticism from coach Chris Finch, who emphasized the need to focus on team play rather than relying solely on individual performances.