Former Jayhawk Joel Embiid surpasses Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers record with 70-point explosion

While neither Wilt Chamberlain nor Joel Embiid eclipsed 50 games played for the Kansas Jayhawks before they entered the NBA, they are by far the two most accomplished former KU players when it comes to NBA success. The two giant Jayhawks have combined for five MVPs, nine scoring titles, 15 All-NBA finishes, and five All-Defensive finishes.

On Monday, January 22nd, 2024, both were in the news again as Embiid exploded for 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs. The 70-point performance set the new Philadelphia 76ers franchise record for points scored in a game, passing Chamberlain’s 68-point performance all the way back in 1967.

Embiid dropped his 70 points on 24/41 shooting from the field and 21/23 from the free throw line. He also added 18 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal in the 133-123 victory. Most of JoJo’s points came right near the rim, but he also drained nine mid-range jump shots and hit a 3-pointer. His previous career-high in points was 59, which he recorded in 2022 against the Utah Jazz.

Chamberlain, on the other hand, finished with 68 points on 30/40 shooting from the field, but he no longer holds the franchise record because he was only able to connect on 8/22 free throw attempts. Luckily, those missed free throws did not come back to haunt him, as the 76ers still beat the Bulls 143-123 led by Chamberlain’s 68 points, 34 rebounds, and two assists. This was also before blocks and steals were recorded statistics, so although none show up on the statsheet for Wilt, it is safe to assume he had a good chunk of those as well.

Chamberlain’s 76ers record stood for 57 years in the City of Brotherly Love before Embiid beat it by a bucket. Wilt the Stilt still holds the NBA record for most points scored in a game with 100, but perhaps Embiid will be coming for that mark soon as well.