January 23, 2024
Joel Embiid Scores 70, Leads Big Night For NBA Stars
Joel Embiid had a big night on the anniversary of Kobe Bryant's big night.
Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid led a big night for NBA stars, scoring 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs and rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.
Still, he wasn’t the only one who had a big Monday night.
On the 18th anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game for the Los Angeles Lakers—the second highest scoring game in NBA history, Embiid shot 24 of 41 from the field, including 1 of 2 from 3-point range, and made 21 of 23 free throws. For good measure, he added 18 rebounds in the Sixers‘ 133-123 victory.
“From the time I started playing, Kobe was my guy,” Embiid said after the game. “He’s the reason why I started playing basketball. It’s funny, on the same night, he got 81, and that was my favorite player.”
Embiid’s 70 points set the 76ers’ record, breaking Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers record of 68 points on Dec. 16, 1967.
In Minnesota, Timberwolves center Karl Anthony Towns scored 62 points against the Charlotte Hornets, setting a new career high. “KAT” shot 21-of-35 from the floor, including 10-of-15 from the perimeter, and pulled down 10 rebounds.
However, the Hornets pulled out a 128-125 win, which infuriated Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, who tore into his team for their selfishness in his postgame press conference.
“It was an absolutely disgusting performance of defense and immature basketball all the way through the game,” Finch said. “This is what happens when you have this type of approach. We totally disrespected the game.”
Those were not the only big nights in the NBA.
Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant collected 42 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Boston Celtics forward Jason Tatum scored 38 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. And Dallas Mavericks star Luca Doncic, netted a triple-double (33 points, 13 rebounds and 18 assists).
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