On January 22, 2024, when the Philadelphia 76ers were celebrating French Heritage night, French-speaking Cameroonian Joel Embiid made history against the San Antonio Spurs when he scored 70 points, breaking the 76ers record for number of points scored in one game. This significant performance helped the 76ers to a 10-point win helping them to their sixth straight win.

Wilt Chamberlain held the 76ers’ previous scoring record for number of points scored in one game for almost sixty years, since December of 1967. On that December night, Wilt Chamberlain scored 68 points versus the Chicago Bulls. Now Embiid has finally broken it, proving how great he is. SCH sophomore Roman Bostick says that this game has established Embiid as a, “Top two, arguably top one center in the NBA right now.”

The fact that Joel Embiid scored his 70 points on French Heritage Night is a perfect coincidence. The 76ers host their French Heritage night to celebrate all French speakers on the court. The night was presented by the French-American Chamber of Commerce, an organization that strives to promote good relations between France and the United States. As a part of their deal, fans were able to receive unique merchandise with the French flag on it.

This is a monumental achievement for Joel Embiid and the 76ers. This shows that the team has a chance. Bostick commented that the city “has life” with Embiid and has a great chance of having a significant season and doing something great. For all Philadelphia sports fans around, and anyone in Philadelphia, this moment showed a glimpse of what Joel Embiid and the 76ers can do, and inspires excitement about just how far the team can go. The only thing is whether or not Embiid can stay as reliable and keep up his record-setting performances.