Joel Embiid did not get much help on Friday. Teammate Ben Simmons was left out against the Chicago Bulls, the rest of the 76ers hit 6 out of 19 on 3 points, and only two teammates (Tobias Harris and Seth Curry) reached double digits. It does not matter. The 76ers moved away from the Bulls in the fourth quarter to secure a 112-105 win, and that was largely thanks to Embiid.
The Philadelphia MVP candidate provided his typical robust defense and contributed 17 rebounds and five assists, but his score was the story of the night. For the first time in his NBA career, Embiid reached the 50-point mark. He did this on 17 of 26 shots, and his 13 points in the fourth quarter helped Philadelphia secure victory.
It was a historic night for Embiid, who became the first 76er since Wilt Chamberlain to score 50, accumulate 15 rebounds and give five assists. The victory secured the lead coach seat in the All-Star Game for Doc Rivers and gave the 76ers a necessary cushion for the Eastern Conference’s No. 1. They now lead the growing Brooklyn Nets for 1.5 games.
But the night itself belongs to Embiid, who is currently involved in one of the most competitive MVP races in recent memory. It is a remarkable moment in your candidacy and puts you on the right path for a season forever. Embiid now averages 30 points per game for the first time in his career. No center has done this for an entire season since Moses Malone in 1982. There is still a lot of competition for the league’s most coveted individual award, but a few more nights like this will keep Embiid ahead of the pack.