Joel Embiid Drops 40 as Sixers Celebrate 2001 Finals Team with Win Over Pelicans
On a night when the Sixers honored the 25th anniversary of their 2001 Finals squad, Joel Embiid delivered a performance worthy of the occasion. With a 124-114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia not only paid tribute to its past but also reminded everyone of the firepower it still has in the present-especially in the hands of its franchise cornerstone.
This was the Sixers' first game without Paul George, who was handed a 25-game suspension earlier in the day for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. And while his absence was certainly felt, it didn’t stop the Sixers from lighting up the scoreboard.
What did cause some concern, however, was the defense. Philly built a comfortable lead early, but lapses on that end allowed the Pelicans to claw back into the game in the second half.
Fortunately for the home crowd, the Sixers regrouped in crunch time.
Let’s break down the standout performances-starting with the big man who put on a show.
Joel Embiid: 40 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
This was Embiid’s first 40-point game of the season, and he made sure it was a memorable one. From the opening tip, he went right at Pelicans rookie Derik Queen, showing off his full offensive arsenal.
Pull-up jumpers, smooth footwork, and a soft shooting touch-it was all working. He had 23 points by halftime, fueled by nine free throw attempts in the second quarter alone.
Things slowed down in the third, where Embiid took just one shot early in the frame. But when the Pelicans made their push in the fourth and eventually took the lead, Embiid flipped the switch.
Down 107-104 with six minutes to go, Embiid drilled a three to tie it up and followed it with a silky turnaround fadeaway over Yves Missi. Then, with under a minute left and the Sixers up four, he buried another three to push the lead to seven and effectively ice the game. A late free throw gave him an even 40-the first time he’s hit that mark since his 50-point explosion against the Knicks in the 2024 playoffs.
Postgame, Embiid shared the moment with his son in a touching scene that capped off a special night for both the player and the franchise.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: 19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists
With Paul George sidelined, the Sixers needed someone to step up on the wing-and Oubre answered the call. He played with energy and purpose, especially during the non-Embiid stretches when the offense needed a spark.
Oubre was active in transition, attacking the paint and finishing strong. He also did the little things-crashing the boards, making smart cuts, and keeping the ball moving.
His two threes in the third quarter were crucial, as the rest of the offense went quiet during that stretch. And in the fourth, he showed off some underrated playmaking, including a slick skip pass to VJ Edgecombe for a dagger three.
This was a classic “glue guy” performance from Oubre-doing a bit of everything and making sure the Sixers didn’t lose control when their star wasn’t on the floor.
VJ Edgecombe: 15 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
Edgecombe continues to grow into his role, and this was another strong showing from the rookie. He played with poise and confidence, picking his spots and making smart plays on both ends.
His highlight reel started early with a gorgeous alley-oop finish off a Tyrese Maxey lob, and he added a steal and breakaway dunk that brought the crowd to its feet. But beyond the flashy moments, Edgecombe made winning plays-hitting timely shots, finding open teammates, and staying composed in the fourth quarter.
His five assists were a nice touch, including a big-time three from the corner off an Oubre skip pass that helped seal the win.
Bell Ringer Standings Update
With another dominant showing, Embiid joins the three-way tie behind Tyrese Maxey in the Bell Ringer standings:
- Tyrese Maxey - 19
- VJ Edgecombe - 6
- Joel Embiid - 6
- Paul George - 6
- Andre Drummond - 2
- Jared McCain - 2
- Dominick Barlow - 1
- Adem Bona - 1
- Justin Edwards - 1
- Quentin Grimes - 1
- Kelly Oubre Jr. - 1
- Trendon Watford - 1
- 15th roster spot - 1
Final Word
This was a night about honoring legacy, and Joel Embiid made sure to deliver a performance that would’ve fit right in with the 2001 squad being celebrated. It wasn’t perfect-the defense still needs tightening, and George’s absence will be a storyline to monitor-but the Sixers showed they have the depth, talent, and resilience to keep pushing forward.
And if Embiid keeps playing like this, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone.