The first duel in the NBA between Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama will forever be etched in the NBA history books. The match-up between the reigning MVP and the number 1 of the Draft, face of the future generation, was expected, and the two protagonists responded, with 33 points for the Frenchman and a gargantuan performance from his elder at 70 points at 24/41 shooting, 18 rebounds and 5 assists all in 37 minutes of play!
The meeting started off with a bang, for Wemby in particular with two 3-point baskets and an alley-oop slammed over Nicolas Batum. In his wake and thanks to two 3-point baskets from Devin Vassell, San Antonio took the lead in the first quarter! The only problem is that Joel Embiid was also already very hot, finishing the first act with an already staggering total of 24 points at 8/12 shooting after 12 minutes! With his usual recipe, mid-distance play and an arsenal of feints to get to the penalty line regularly enough.
San Antonio is not giving up!
Even though they were in the lead at the end of the first act (34-35), the Texans ended up giving up. Victor Wembanyama held his position, with a hook with the board and two dunks in a row to tie the score at 41-41. Even after conceding his third foul because of Joel Embiid's numerous feints, the French phenomenon remained on the floor and again tried to compete with the Sixers pivot. But the latter was on a mission, chaining together productive offensive phases to end the first half with 34 units (62-58).
It was finally in the third quarter that Philadelphia managed to break away, under the leadership of a Joel Embiid who had become untenable. With already 34 points on the scoreboard at the break, the Cameroonian planted 25 points in the period to crack San Antonio and Victor Wembanyama in the process, penalized with a 4th personal foul. When he came out 5 minutes from the end of the third act (87-76), Joel Embiid was able to establish his domination with five baskets including a 2+1 and a 3-pointer to complete his demonstration at 59 points, his previous career record (104-89).
A franchise record for Joel Embiid!
While the reigning MVP took a little rest, Victor Wembanyama was back, quickly conceding his 5th personal foul in front of Paul Reed. A handicap which did not prevent him from remaining productive in defense as well as in attack on a 2+1 or from the free throw line (118-106). Insufficient, however, to really put the pressure back on the locals, even if that did not prevent Joel Embiid from returning to the floor to set a new career record, just to mark the occasion.
There were two shots to exceed 60 points, then two mid-range shots in front of Jeremy Sochan. A few throws and an assist later, he ended up blowing up the Wells Fargo Center on a coast-to-coast ending with a final lay-up which brought him to 70 points, a new franchise record! Gave a standing ovation upon his exit, he was able to enjoy the last minute of the match under the chants of “MVP” coming down from the stands for a 133-123 success at the finish.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A historic evening for Joel Embiid. The reigning MVP wasted no time in showing his ambitions, finishing the first act with already 24 points on the clock. He knew he was expected for his first duel with the new NBA phenomenon, and tried to keep his hand, playing “Wemby” on the mid-distance game, avoiding challenging him too close to the circle so as not to to be countered. The operation was a success since Joel Embiid delivered a recital in this sector, taking advantage of Victor Wembanyama's outings to diversify his attacking game a little more on match-ups to his advantage. While he had already scored his best first half in his NBA career at 34 points, his third quarter took him to another dimension, with an unreal end to the period where he made the team dizzy. Zach Collins ended the period with a 3-pointer to tie his personal career record at 59 points. He then managed to get 11 more points to break the franchise record held by Wilt Chamberlain (68 points) with an incredible final basket on a “coast-to-coast” which euphorized the entire room.
– The Spurs far from being ridiculous. For Joel Embiid to be able to reach the heights like this, San Antonio had to stay in the game and push the Sixers and their leader to give their best. As such, the Texans did the job, already achieving a first feat by leading the score after 12 minutes then only being -4 at the break (62-58). The rest was more difficult against a raging Joel Embiid, but the Spurs held on, coming back from a 19-point deficit to stay in the game almost until the end. Moreover, even if his match was passed over in silence in the face of the historic feat of his direct opponent, Victor Wembanyama was still credited with a very good outing, with 33 points at 10/19 shooting, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks, in just 28 minutes. There is no doubt that the Frenchman will impatiently await his revenge. It will be April 7, this time in San Antonio.
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
