Sixers’ Joel Embiid Stands Tall Against Charles Barkley in a Tough-to-Match Franchise Record

The Philadelphia 76ers are showing some strong signs of upcoming success. First, they won both their preseason games, and now they’re sitting comfortably at the top of the Atlantic Division. The Sixers have only lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers so far, and the team looks incredibly good ahead of what’s to come. 

In their fourth game of the season, the Sixers defeated the winless Toronto Raptors 100-93. One such result against the Raptors is always important because it marked the Sixers’ fifth only win against the Raptors in their last 29 meetings. All credits to the star of the night, Joel Embiid.

Joel Embiid matched a unique achievement from three decades ago

Just as Embiid scored 29 important points and 16 rebounds against the Raptors, he also tied himself with a 34-YO franchise record. He became the only 76ers player after Charles Barkley to have notched up at least 25 points and 10 boards in the first three games of the season. 

Undoubtedly, ‘The Process’ is on his way to breaking many of those records, given his stupendous form this year. The critics and analysts count him in the likes of the best Centers in the league alongside players like Nikola Jokic and Rudy Gobert.

Joel is extremely efficient at his post-plays and rim protection, and the only fear that always hangs around his name is his fitness. The last thing that Daryl Morey’s 76ers would want too see if Joel Embiid getting injured.

Sixers fans almost skipped a heartbeat at one point

The 7-ft giant missed his game against the Cavs citing back stiffness. He also scared an anchor in the post-game interview after the win against the Raptors and he joked, “I broke my back.” On a serious note, his back issues have the potential to bring some concern to the front office later on.

Also, at one point during the beginning of the third quarter, Embiid showed some issues with his left leg. He walked back to the locker room in a way that did not please any Sixers fan. It was during this time that the Raptors pulled a 13-point lead over Philly. However, Embiid came back in a few minutes with even greater efficiency in his kitty. 

A double-double from both Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris further helped the Sixers fill the gap and eventually win the game comfortably.