With the daunting Ben Simmons news just minutes before the game, the Sixers had to gather themselves to face Trae Young and the young Atlanta Hawks. As stated in our Hawks/Sixers preview, this was a game where Joel Embiid had to assert himself early. He did just that as Philly dropped 41 points in the opening quarter jumping out to a 17-point lead. The Sixers are notorious for giving up leads, however, and this game was no different. Young and company climbed their way back in the 3rd with a 40 point quarter of their own, but Joel Embiid proved too much to contain down low.

Embiid finished the game with a career-high 49 points, 14 boards, 3 assists & 3 steals while shooting 17/24 from the field. He got to the line at will shooting 14/15 from the stripe (that one free throw kept him from 50 points), effectively bouncing back from a disappointing performance in Milwaukee. His 49 points were the most points scored in a game by a 76er since Allen Iverson back on December 23, 2005. Joel outscored the entire Atlanta Hawks team himself in the final quarter 22-20. The Sixers will need Embiid to lead this team more than ever as we still aren’t sure of the status of Ben Simmons’ back injury. Tobias Harris had 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists of his own after being doubtful for the game just 24 hours prior. The Sixers are now 27-2 at home this season.

Joel Embiid (49 PTS & 14 REB) couldn’t be stopped in Philly’s W! 💪 #CenterCourt pic.twitter.com/ih8xRCtcuz

— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 25, 2020

Oh and he’s having fun again.

Embiid flipped a Hawks player off after he stole the ball from him then apologized for it. 💀 pic.twitter.com/g5FzUqm4eF

— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) February 25, 2020

Oh and another thing, Ben Simmons is pretty fond of him as well.

BEN’S IG STORY. pic.twitter.com/bgh36Fd7J4

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) February 25, 2020

Oh and one last thing, F–k it.

Never change, Joel 😂

*NSFW* pic.twitter.com/Ej6aQFW4eK

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 25, 2020