Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was a man amongst boys on Thursday.
With the Sixers entering Game 3 down 0-2, the Cameroonian behemoth finished the game with 50 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and one block in 41 minutes to lead Philadelphia to their first win this First Round series. In doing so, Embiid went 13-19 from the floor, 5-7 from 3, and 19-21 from the free-throw line.
It was a joy to watch. Unless you played for the New York Knicks of course.
Every shot Embiid took was contested, whether it was single coverage, a double-team or a swarm of defenders coming to meet him. The seven-time All-Star and reigning MVP just couldn’t be stopped. He was particularly hot coming out of halftime, scoring 18 points in the third quarter while going 4-4 from 3.
The fact that he played so well while dealing with a tender left knee and a mild case of Bell’s Palsy makes it all the more remarkable.
Joel Embiid Makes Playoff History in Sixers’ Victory
Embiid’s performance in Game 3 was more than a head-turner, it was historic.
The 29-year-old became just the fifth player in NBA history to score at least 50 points and attempt at least 20 free-throws in the playoffs, joining: 10-time scoring champion Michael Jordan, 14-time All-Star Jerry West, four-time MVP Wilt Chamberlain, and six-time NBA champion Bob Cousy. All four men have been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Jordan, the last player to achieve the feat, did so in 1986 and 1989.
On Apr. 20, 1986, Jordan tallied 63 points, shooting 22-41 from the field and 19-21 from the free-throw line as the Chicago Bulls faced the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of their First Round matchup. Amazingly, the Bulls still fell to the Celtics, 135-131. On May 5, 1989, Jordan scored 50 points, going 14-28 from the field and 22-27 from the free-throw line. The Bulls lost this game as well, falling 108-105 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of their First Round series.
Embiid also became the first player in playoff history to score at least 50 points on fewer than 20 field goal attempts. He’s the third player to score at least 50 points with a true shooting percentage of .850 or better, joining guards Damian Lillard and Jamal Murray. He’s the only other player in Sixers’ playoff history to score at least 50 points and make at least five 3-pointers, joining Hall of Fame guard Allen Iverson.
One of the most beloved figures in basketball history, Iverson is the last player to lead Philadelphia to the NBA Finals (2001).
What’s Next for the Sixers
The Sixers are still down 2-1, facing a well-coached Knicks squad.
Led by Jalen Brunson, New York has fearlessly challenged Embiid and Company. Indeed, they’re playing with the gusto of a team few expected to win.
To that point, Brunson faces an unexpected amount of pressure with All-Star forward Julius Randle out for the season. However, Brunson just had his best game of the series. In 45 minutes, Brunson recorded 39 points and 13 assists. Not only was he more productive than he was in their previous matchups, he was more efficient. The high-volume guard made 48.1 percent of his field goal attempts and 42.9 percent of his 3s.
Philadelphia must win three of their next four games to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. There, they’ll face the Milwaukee Bucks or Indiana Pacers. The Bucks and Pacers are tied 1-1 heading into Game 3.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday, Apr. 28.
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