Joel Embiid has added another feather in his cap by exploding for 70 points and 18 rebounds in the 76ers win over the San Antonio Spurs. This is his career-high, and he has set a new franchise record for the Philadelphia 76ers, with the previous record being held by Wilt Chamberlain with 68 points. Embiid is now only one of nine players to have scored 70 points in NBA history.
WHAT A NIGHT FOR EMBIID 🤯😤 pic.twitter.com/nnG3bH5YeH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 23, 2024
The 76ers were facing the San Antonio Spurs, with many expecting Victor Wembanyama to have a starring night opposite Embiid. He lived up to the hype but his 33-point night was put to shame easily by the reigning league MVP.
Embiid is now averaging 36.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists this season, looking to be in pole position to win another MVP and scoring title this season.
Gregg Popovich Claimed The Spurs Would ‘Hammer’ Joel Embiid
Legendary NBA coach Gregg Popovich came into this game claiming that his Spurs roster would find a way to hammer down Embiid.
“We’re gonna hammer his ass. I told Wemby this., ‘Put your butt right into his stomach, back him down to the rim, then throw him through the rim. That’s what you can look forward to tonight.”
“WE’RE GONNA HAMMER HIS ASS!”
-Gregg Popovich on Wemby’s first matchup with Joel Embiid pic.twitter.com/2E1FHMcS3O
— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) January 22, 2024
This prediction has turned extremely sour, as Embiid wrecked the San Antonio defense. Even with a gifted shot-blocker like Wembanyama, San Antonio had no interior strength to contain Embiid, who was scoring from any spot on the court at will. This may be the most versatile offensive big man we’ve seen in ages.
Wembanyama had a decent outing but this game proved he still has a lot to learn. He couldn’t hang with Embiid’s physicality and crafty scoring ability. Thankfully, a matchup like this ends up teaching young players a lot about the game, which will aid their development.
Popovich had a similar experience last season when he explicitly told the media that his Spurs wouldn’t let Luka Doncic score 50 points in a game but Doncic dropped 51 that same night.
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