George Harris
Jan 23, 2024 - 05:05

Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns make history with combined 132 points in scoring night

Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns both scored over 60 points, making history. Embiid scored 70 points, while Towns scored 62.

On the 18th anniversary of Kobe Bryant's 81-point game, two big men made history. Joel Embiid scored an astounding 70 points in the 76ers' victory over the Spurs, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain's previous franchise high of 68. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns followed with 62 points in the Timberwolves' loss to the Hornets, setting a new career and franchise high.

Towns' 62 points not only set a new Timberwolves record but also made him the first player in NBA history to record at least 10 made 2-pointers, 10 made 3-pointers, and 10 made free throws in a single game. His 44 first-half points also set a new record, surpassing Kobe Bryant's 42 first-half points in 2003.

Embiid's incredible performance puts him in the elite company of only nine players to reach 70 points in an NBA game. The significance of this achievement is further highlighted by the fact that it occurred on the 18-year anniversary of Kobe Bryant's historic 81-point game.

In addition to their individual accomplishments, Embiid and Towns made history by becoming only the fourth pair of players in NBA history to surpass 60 points on the same night. This incredible feat demonstrates the sheer dominance of these two players on the court.

The significance of these performances is further underscored by the fact that Embiid and Towns are both centers, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only centers in history to record multiple 60-point games. Towns' previous career and franchise high of 60 points further solidifies his position as one of the most dominant players in NBA history.

While these individual achievements are undoubtedly remarkable, they also shed light on the broader context of NBA history and the legacy of some of the greatest players to ever grace the court. The sheer magnitude of these performances serves as a testament to the incredible skill and talent of both Embiid and Towns, further solidifying their place in NBA history.