76ers News: Joel Embiid Joins Michael Jordan in Rare Company After Historic Performance

Joel Embiid matches NBA icon with historically rare stat line.

On Monday night, Joel Embiid took the floor looking to continue another MVP-level season. The Philadelphia 76ers star would go on to do that, and so much more. 

Taking on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, Embiid found himself matched up against the NBA's most intriguing prospects. Both centers had impressive outings, but one clearly stands out above the other. 

When all was said and done, Embiid finished with a new career-high in points. In just 36 minutes of action, the reigning MVP posted a stat line of 70 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists. Along with setting a new Sixers franchise record for single-game points, Embiid matched an NBA icon with this stat line. 

Following this performance, Embiid becomes just the second player in history with at least 69 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists in a game. The other is Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. Embiid has put his name next to some of the best big men in history this season. Now, he is the same breath as the player many agree to be the greatest of all time. 

This performance is the exclamation point on what has been a dominant first half of the season for Embiid. His averages for the year now sit at 36.1 PPG, 11.6 RPG, and 5.9 APG. 

Despite winning MVP last season, the All-Star center has managed to elevate his game yet again. As he continues to break down every opposing defense in front of him, Embiid is cementing himself as one of the most dominant players of his generation. 

With this victory, the Sixers improve to 29-13 on the year. They remain in third place in the Eastern Conference standings and trail the first-place Boston Celtics by three-and-a-half games.