Embiid Drops 40 in Front of Iverson as Sixers Honor 2001 Finals Team with Statement Win
Saturday night in Philadelphia felt like a time warp - Allen Iverson was back in the building, the 2000-01 Sixers squad was being celebrated, and Joel Embiid delivered a performance that echoed the dominance of that era. Only this time, the present-day Sixers walked away with a 124-114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, powered by their MVP big man putting on a show in front of one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Let’s set the stage: the Sixers were honoring the team that made a magical run to the 2001 NBA Finals - the same squad that stunned the Lakers in Game 1 and made Iverson a league MVP. With legends in the house and the energy in Wells Fargo Center turned up to playoff levels, Embiid took the moment personally. And he delivered like only he can.
In 39 minutes, Embiid poured in 40 points on 13-of-27 shooting, including a smooth 3-of-5 from deep. He added 11 boards, four assists, two blocks, and a steal - a complete two-way clinic.
This was his first 40-point outing of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. It wasn’t just about numbers - it was about presence.
Embiid controlled the game, dictated tempo, and made sure the Sixers walked away with a win on a night that meant something more.
The game itself was competitive, with both teams trading threes and momentum swings through much of the night. But the second quarter was where Philly separated itself.
The Sixers outscored the Pelicans 36-21 in that frame, and that cushion held the rest of the way. That stretch was the turning point - a mix of defensive stops, timely shooting, and Embiid anchoring both ends.
While Embiid led the way, this was far from a solo act. Five Sixers scored in double figures, showing off the kind of depth that makes this team dangerous when it’s clicking.
Kelly Oubre Jr. had one of his best all-around games of the season, finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. He shot an efficient 7-of-13 from the floor and knocked down three triples.
Tyrese Maxey kept the offense humming with 18 points and eight dimes, bringing his usual blend of speed and shot-making. Rookie VJ Edgecombe added 15 points and five assists, continuing to look comfortable in big moments.
Jared McCain chipped in with 12 points off the bench, giving the Sixers another boost of energy.
With the win, Philadelphia moves to 27-21 on the season, solidifying their hold on the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. They’re now 1.5 games ahead of Orlando and two games clear of Miami, while sitting just a game back of both Cleveland and Toronto. It’s a tight race, but the Sixers are gaining traction - and with Embiid heating up, that’s a problem for the rest of the East.
Now riding a three-game win streak, Philly hits the road for a marquee matchup against the Clippers on Feb. 2.
Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET, and if Embiid keeps playing like this, don’t be surprised if the Sixers keep climbing.
On a night meant to honor the past, Embiid reminded everyone that the present - and maybe the future - still runs through him in Philly.