Joel Embiid had himself a night.
The Sixers big man was unstoppable Wednesday night, exploding for 50 points against the Orlando Magic. Getting 50 was massive in and of itself but to truly grasp the context of Embiid’s night, he only played 27 minutes and entered the fourth quarter with 47 points. As the game was largely over, Embiid only played a minute or two in the fourth, hitting three free throws to reach 50 and tying a career high in the 123-110 win.
Along with 12 rebounds, Embiid joins Wilt Chamberlain as the only two Sixers players to have multiple 50 point, 10 rebound games. It’s led to many to take notice and it may have helped Embiid’s MVP chances.
MVP had a night!!! @JoelEmbiid pic.twitter.com/3G4f08ED6S
— Drew Hanlen (@DrewHanlen) January 20, 2022
Embiid is first NBA player with 50 points, 12 rebounds and 73% from the field since Michael Jordan vs. Det. on March 7, 1996.
Only other players with 50 / 12 / 73%: Wilt [8x], Karl Malone [2x], Kareem, Truck Robinson, Kevin McHale, Larry Bird and Charles [with the Suns].
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) January 20, 2022
There’s no one in the NBA playing better basketball than Embiid right now.
— Michael K-B (@therealmikekb) January 20, 2022
What Embiid has been doing this season hasn't been discussed enough nationally.
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) January 20, 2022
Joel Embiid's last two years are the best back-to-back seasons by a Philadelphia 76er in the last 35 years, and I say that with little hesitation. And yes, I'm aware of AI and the Chuckster. Nobody had this much responsibility, and impact, on both sides of the court.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) January 20, 2022
Joel Embiid becomes the fastest ever to record 50+ points and 10+ rebounds in NBA history. Just 27 minutes.
— Chris Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) January 20, 2022
nah the sixers gotta get something done before the deadline because embiid looks way too good to not have as many pieces around him as you can right now
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) January 20, 2022
