MY ACCOUNT
Joel Embiid was “unbelievable from the start” as he racked up a half-century of points in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 123-110 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.
That was the verdict of 76ers head coach Doc Rivers, who watched Embiid match his career-high points tally of 50 in only 27 minutes on court at Wells Fargo Center.
The four-time NBA All-Star became the first center to score at least 50 points in a match this season, also taking 12 rebounds and providing two assists as he stole the show.
Embiid emulated the great Wilt Chamberlain, who had been the only other Sixers player in history to register multiple 50-plus points in a game and also claim 10 or more rebounds.
Rivers said of the 27-year-old’s stunning display: “He was unbelievable, from the start.”
He added: “I played with Dominique [Wilkins], and I don’t know if I’ve seen that.
“I’ve seen Dominique score more, but it took the whole game. That was easy, quick, efficient and determined.”
Embiid amassed his half-century and 10 rebounds quicker than any NBA player since 1955.
He spent only 58 seconds on court in the final quarter after swinging the game firmly in Philadelphia’s favour, moving them to 26-18 in fifth spot in the Eastern Conference.
Magic acting head coach Jesse Mermuys doffed his cap to Embiid, saying it was impossible to contain him.
He said: “With the way he was playing, there was really no way to go get him. He hit fadeaways, step-backs. I mean, he was impressive.”
