Joel Embiid scores 70 in record-breaking performance

San Antonio Spurs v Philadelphia 76ers
San Antonio Spurs v Philadelphia 76ers / Tim Nwachukwu/GettyImages
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Where were you the night Joel Embiid scored 70 points? That is a question that many will be asking for years to come. On Monday, January 22nd, Joel Embiid had a night to remember in the Sixers’ 133-123 win at home over the San Antonio Spurs. After a 24-point first quarter from Embiid, you got the sense that it might be a special night at the Wells Fargo Center and Joel Embiid did not disappoint.

What exactly did Joel Embiid accomplish with his performance?

  • In reaching the 70-point mark, Joel shattered his previous career-high of 59-points
  • Joel broke the Sixers franchise record for points in a game, previously held by Hall of Fame Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 68 points on December 16th, 1967
  • Joel became only the ninth player in NBA history to score 70+ points in a single game
  • Joel is the first player to have 65+ points and 17+ rebounds in a single game since Michael Jordan reached those numbers in 1990
  • Joel is the first player in NBA history to record at least 70 points, 18 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single game

Joel Embiid vs San Antonio Spurs 

70 points | 18 rebounds | 5 assists | 24-41 FG | 21-23 FT | 37 minutes

70 points in the middle of a historic run

The 2022-23 NBA MVP may be on his way to adding a second MVP to his collection. That is if he can meet the NBA’s 65 games played requirement. One of the most unique aspects of Embiid’s performance is found in the absurd scoring run that he has been on since mid-November.

November 15th was the last time Embiid played and failed to reach the 30-point mark. Yes, you read that right. Joel Embiid has scored 30 or more points in 21 consecutive games. Embiid joins the likes of Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden as the only NBA players to have scored 30 or more points in 20+ consecutive games. 

Joel Embiid has had some incredible performances throughout his career. Not only did Joel Embiid have a historic night against the San Antonio Spurs, but he is in the middle of a historic run. Joel’s 70-point performance increased his points per game to an astounding 36.1 points per game. Embiid is in pursuit of a 3rd straight NBA scoring title.