The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 133-123 on Monday night thanks to Joel Embiid's franchise-record 70 points, the most in the NBA this season. Embiid's 18 rebounds were a career high. He shot 24 of 41, 1 of 2 from 3-point range, and 21 of 23 free throws.
With a layup with 1:41 left, he eclipsed Wilt Chamberlain's 76ers record of 68 points, set on Dec. 16, 1967. He was the first NBA player with 70 points, 18 rebounds, and 5 assists.
While playing for the Philadelphia Warriors, Chamberlain established the NBA record with 100 points. A six-time All-Star and reigning MVP, Embiid has scored at least 30 points in 21 straight games and became the ninth NBA player with 70 or more points. Six straight wins for the 76ers.
Rookie Victor Wembanyama scored 33 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 29 minutes in the first 7-footer duel. Spurs' rebuilding team ended 5-19 away. Embiid says playing Wembanyama kept him motivated every night.
Embiid told local TV, “I wouldn't sit here and lie to you, but that's my mindset every single game.” "My mindset is to attack, dominate offensively and defensively, so tonight was no different."
Embiid recorded 59 points in the first three quarters, fourth in NBA history since 2002-03. The Rockets' James Harden (60 points against. the Hawks in 2019), Klay Thompson (60 points vs. the Pacers in 2016), and Kobe Bryant (62 points vs. the Mavericks in 2005) have more.
Philadelphia led 118-104 when Embiid returned with 6:38 left after tying his career best of 59 points through three quarters. Trying to break the record, the 76ers gave him the ball constantly.
76ers coach Nick Nurse said, “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 superb. Anything could happen with his movement, skill, size, and motivation.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's 64 points were the NBA's season high. Many spectators packed the court to see Embiid and Wembanyama warm up before the game. Embiid may have sought to remind home fans of his abilities since they already know them.
Before the game, Nurse observed, “It will be interesting for all of us to see for the first time.” It might have been electrifying. It would have been more enjoyable to win, but it's inspiring, especially offensively, remarked Wembanyama.
At 1:11, Embiid nailed a 13-footer over Wembanyama. After two 3-pointers in 27 seconds, the Spurs rookie finished an alley-oop slam before leaving the game with 6:27 left in the first due to two fouls.
Gregg Popovich joked before the game that the Spurs will "hammer his (butt)" against Embiid. I urged Wemby to back him over the rim and chuck him through.” From the start, nothing would work. The first quarter saw Embiid score 24 points on 8-for-12 shooting.