After a rough loss against the Washington Wizards on Monday, the 76ers returned home last night to face the Orlando Magic. Joel Embiid scored 50 points on 17-for-23 shooting, tying his career high, as the Sixers beat the Magic 123-110.

As Joel Embiid normally does, he led the Sixers in scoring last night, and has done so in 15 straight games. The 76ers sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings, only 2.5 games back from the first place Chicago Bulls.

The game actually started out fairly close and remained that way until the third quarter. The Sixers outscored the Magic 47-23 in the third and Embiid rained in 22 points to pull away from the Magic.

EMVPIID

Embiid tied career highs in both points (50) and field goals made (17). He only scored four points in the second quarter, followed by 23 points in the third and then just three points in under a minute played in the fourth. Embiid became the first player to score 20 or more points in two separate quarters since Steph Curry did against the Thunder on May 8, 2021.

This was easily one of the best Embiid games that we have ever seen, and it’s crazy that he was able to put up these types of numbers in just 27 minutes played. The only player to score 50 in a game in fewer minutes than Embiid was Klay Thompson who scored 52 in 26 minutes and 33 seconds against the Chicago Bulls on October 29, 2018.

Shall I continue? Embiid joined Wilt Chamberlain (11) and Allen Iverson (10) as the ONLY players in 76ers franchise history with multiple career 50-point games.

50 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists, 1 steal. 17-23 field goals, 15-17 free throws.

Tobias Harris

Obviously, when Joel Embiid dominates like that, everyone else on the Philadelphia 76ers immediately becomes background noise. In the quietest fashion, Tobias Harris scored 21 points as the Sixers second leading scorer. Harris was efficient, making 8-of-13 shots from the floor. He found success attacking mismatches and was able to take advantage of easy scoring opportunities.

Still, it’s frustrating to watch Tobias Harris blow defensive assignments and miss passing reads but given his offensive output and a win against the Magic, we’ll let him slide tonight. Maybe he can stop setting screens on his own players? I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

The Rest of the Sixers

Maxey did a fine job taking what was given to him last night. The young point guard scored 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the floor. He continues to grow as a three point shooter, making 2-of-3 shots from beyond the arc.

Georges Niang was the only other Sixers player in double figures, scoring 10 points off the bench and Andre Drummond added nine points and five rebounds. Seth Curry had a quiet game, finishing with five points and shooting 2-of-7 from the floor.

Up Next

Add this game to the list of Joel Embiid classic performances. It’s impossible to leave him out of the MVP conversation as he perpetually puts the team on his back and puts up incredible numbers night in, and night out. I really don’t think it’s crazy to say that Embiid is currently playing the best basketball in the world right now.

Philadelphia hosts the Clippers on Friday looking to take home a victory in what will be their first matchup of the season with Los Angeles.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY SPORTS