Cameroonian NBA player Joel Embiid broke Wilt Chamberlain’s 1967 record by scoring 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, making history.
In their 133-123 win over the Spurs, the 29-year-old reigning MVP not only broke the franchise scoring mark, but also collected a career-high 18 rebounds, according to the Associated Press. Embiid’s impressive performance on Monday broke the 76ers’ scoring mark, previously held by NBA champion and Hall of Famer Chamberlain. The dead NBA icon established the mark on December 16, 1967, with 68 points.
However, Chamberlain still holds the NBA scoring record for his historic 100-point game against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.He was with the Philadelphia Warriors at the time.
Embiid has enjoyed a standout season this year, scoring at least 30 points in the last 21 games. The 76ers’ Monday game against the Spurs marked the first time Embiid and youngster Victor Wembanyama faced off this season. According to The Associated Press, Embiid stated that playing against the skilled 20-year-old gives him more drive to achieve his goals every night.
“I wouldn’t sit here and lie to you, but that’s my mindset every single game,” the six-time All-Star said. “My mindset is to attack, dominate offensively and defensively, so tonight was no different.”
In October last year, HowAfrica reported that Embiid turned down France and Cameroon to represent Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. ESPN reported that the 29-year-old informed Team USA executive director Grant Hill of his commitment on October 5.
The two initially met to discuss Embiid’s participation with Team USA at the Sixers’ training camp in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Cameroonian-born basketball player revealed that he had contacts with officials from the French team, but he chose to commit to Team USA after meeting with Hill.
“I just wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision, and it just took me one last meeting with all parties involved and went ahead,” Embiid said.
Born in Yaounde, Cameroon, Embiid went to the US aged 16 to pursue a professional basketball career. He was eventually granted dual French and American citizenship in 2022. Besides Team USA, the French national basketball team was also interested in having him represent their country at the Olympics. The 29-year-old admitted that choosing which of the three countries to represent was “tough.”
“I love all three options, you know, with my home country, which I love a lot,” Embiid said. “But I really want to participate in the Olympics, that’s been my goal and my dream. And you add that with the fact that my son is American, and I’ve been here for such a long time. … I’m really thankful for the opportunity. France — the commitment they were willing to make — I really appreciate it. It was a tough decision.”
Embiid also spoke about how his son Arthur influenced his decision. The 3-year-old is an American citizen. “I feel like for the past few years, since [Arthur] has been born, every decision has been made just based on family,” he said. “My family, my son, and having the chance to represent a country like USA.”