Joel Embiid Matches a 32-YO Rare Franchise Record in the Sixers’ Win Over Miami Heat

The Philadelphia Sixers finally tasted victory after three back-to-back losses. In the last couple of games, they were playing shorthanded because of the onset of injuries and COVID protocols. However, just as Ben Simmons joined the team to help Joel Embiid, they proved what they’re capable of achieving. 

The matchup against the Heat was a nail-biting spectacle until the very last second. However, thanks to Joel Embiid’s stupendous third quarter and an equally amazing overtime play, the 76ers came out as the ultimate victors.

Joel Embiid matched a rare franchise record

The Process scored 45 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals, and 1 block in a game that he will forever remember. His figures do not tell the exact story of the game because he had a very slow start.

By the end of the first half, he had just 10 points to his name, but what followed was a hurricane from his side. He also became the first Philly man to do so since Charles Barkley pulled this off back in 1988. 

The 26-YO player is making his MVP case stronger with every passing game. He was in such a tremendous form that he put all the 13 free throws in. Also, his pump fakes and fadeaways in the clutch moment took away any chance of the Heat claiming a victory. He is very certainly cementing his legacy with the franchise. 

The unsung heroes in the Sixers’ brave win

The Sixers obviously won because of the sensational performance of Embiid from both ends. But they also received great support from the likes of Danny Green, Mike Scott, and Tyrese Maxey. 

Danny, who had scored zero three-pointers in his 9 attempts against the Hawks, surprised one and all. He dropped 9/21 threes and scored 29 points in all. Both Mike and Tyrese scored 16 points each. But the man of the hour was Dakota Matthias. 

With 30 seconds remaining in the OT, the Sixers were trailing 131-132 when Isaiah Joe missed his three-point attempt. Fortunately for them, they won a rebound, and it was Matthias who converted a decisive three-pointer to give them a 134-132 lead. Interestingly, it was the only shot he converted in his 11 minutes of play. This is how a player who went undrafted in 2018, a G-League member of Philly, won them an important game.

Both Joel Embiid and Doc Rivers would have surely patted Matthias on the back after the game.