Philadelphia 76ers fans experienced a historic night at the Wells Fargo Center. Their star player, Joel Embiid, scored 70 points in a game against the San Antonio Spurs, which ended with a 76ers victory, 133-123.
The Cameroonian center managed to surpass the 76ers franchise record for points in a game, previously held by Wilt Chamberlain. He also became the ninth basketball player to reach that number of points in an NBA game. The other eight were Chamberlain (1962), Kobe Bryant (2006), David Thompson (1978), Damian Lillard (2023), Donovan Mitchell (2023), David Robinson (1994), Elgin Baylor (1970) and Devin Booker (2017).
historic night in South Philly. pic.twitter.com/lCU12aTM2H
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 23, 2024
Despite achieving this feat, Embiid was indifferent about his performance and, at the same time, ambitious to achieve more. "My mindset is to attack, dominate offensively and defensively, so tonight was no different. ... It doesn't really mean anything until you win the whole thing," said the Cameroonian center, eager to one day win an NBA title.
In addition to the 70 points scored, Embiid recorded 18 rebounds and 5 assists.
70 PTS | 18 REB | 5 AST
witnessed history tonight. @PALottery pic.twitter.com/rtLjM0GeuO
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 23, 2024
Embiid overshadowed another magnificent performance in another of the day's games. Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns scored 62 points (his personal best) in his team's loss to the Charlotte Hornets (125-128).
A NEW CAREER-HIGH 👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/I8rWvuGaXa
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 23, 2024
