Philadelphia 76ers star lit it up on Monday night as he scored a career-high 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs to break the franchise record set by nobody else but Wilt Chamberlain.
He did so on the 18th anniversary of Kobe Bryant's 81-point record and against one of the top rookies and future superstar, Victor Wembanyama, who fared well in the match-up of giants with 33 points.
Embiid is by far the best-scoring big man in the league right now, as he leads the Sixers while leading the MVP race.
The league has seen a surge in super scorers in the last decade, and one may eventually break the record set by Kobe Bryant on January 22, 2006.
Note: Why Bryant's record and not the NBA's highest point total in a game (100) set by Wilt Chamberlain on March 2, 1962? It is because Embiid set his record on the anniversary of Black Mamba's 81-point game and Wilt's record is almost impossible to touch given today's quality of defense.
So, who can break Kobe Bryant's scoring record? Embiid leads the list.
1. Joel Embiid, Career High in Points: 70
The 2023 MVP could have gone for more against the Spurs. He already had 60 points by the third quarter.
He's got an array of moves that can punish defenders. He can be a threat from the three-point arc and hit them with post moves inside. The 7-foot center can also lull his defenders to sleep from the dribble to create a chance for himself.
Read more: Why Knicks Guard Jalen Brunson Deserves to Be an NBA All-Star This 2023-24 Season
He is also an incredible foul-baiter, owning the league-best 10.52 free throws per game.
Had the game against the Spurs gone overtime, he would have broken the 80-point barrier.
2. Luka Doncic, Career High in Points: 60
The Dallas Mavericks star recorded his highest point total in a single game on December 27, 2022, against the New York Knicks.
That night, he played 47 minutes, hauled 21 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists on 67.7 percent shooting.
Doncic is the type who likes the ball in his hands. If he can have teammates who can be floor spacers, then getting to 81 might not be that hard. He can also do more work on scoring if he has a reliable rebounder.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Career high in points: 64
The Greek Freak set his personal record and franchise-best 64 points in a game this month.
His outside shooting may not be at par with Embiid and Doncic, but he is more than capable down low.
He did not appear to have struggled on his way to 64 points against the Indiana Pacers, shooting 20 out of 28 from the field and converting 24 of 32 free throws.
With a three-point threat in Damian Lillard, who can be a magnet for wing defenders, Giannis can feast on his defenders down low.
4. Devin Booker, Career high in points: 70
Booker set his personal record of 70 at 19, providing fans a preview of his capabilities.
Fast forward to 2024, he has more scoring weapons in his pocket, especially now that he is playing alongside another super scorer in Kevin Durant.
Last January 19, he scored 52 points against the New Orleans Pelicans in just 18 field goals made. The game was lopsided, so it was just light work for him.
5. Donovan Mitchell, Career High in Points, 71
Mitchel can explode in any given game. Once he gets going, he can never be stopped.
Just like what happened on January 2 last year when he torched the Chicago Bulls for 71 points on 22 out of 34 shooting.
Honorable mentions: Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, and Ja Morant
Related article: Making a Case for 76ers' Joel Embiid Potential Back-to-Back MVP
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