Philadelphia (CBS) — Joel Embiid’s record-breaking performance in the Philadelphia 76ers’ victory over the San Antonio Spurs remains the buzz of the town, with even Wilt Chamberlain’s family weighing in. Related: Why Embiid’s 70 points are the highest in team history. Until Monday night, Chamberlain, a Philadelphia native, held the Sixers franchise record for most points in a single game, 68 in 1967.
Embiid’s 70-point performance pushes him ahead of the Hall of Famer, which his family thinks is precisely what Chamberlain would have wanted. “I think he would say that records are meant to be broken,” Wilt’s nephew, Olin Chamberlain Sr., said. Embiid accomplished something unprecedented for a Sixer on Monday night, scoring 70 points in a single game. Embiid is also only the ninth player in NBA history to score 70 points. He also became the first player to record at least 70 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists in a single game.
Olin Chamberlain Sr. stated that his late “Uncle Dippy,” as he nicknamed him, would be quite proud. “Uncle Dippy would have a big old smile on his face right now, absolutely,” said Olin Chamberlain Sr. “I can just imagine watching Joel Embiid, watching him play and the different things he does and how he dominates on the court.”
Olin Chamberlain Sr., who helps lead the Wilt Chamberlain Memorial Fund, says Embiid’s historic performance is even more significant because of what it reveals about this Sixers team. “I’m going back to teamwork, right? They see how one of their teammates is doing something extraordinary, and everyone rallies around them to help them get there,” Olin Chamberlain Sr. said. As for what comes next, Olin Chamberlain Sr. believes this might be the beginning of a championship run that would eternally cement Embiid’s legacy in Philadelphia. “If I had to sum it up, I’d say statue,” Olin Chamberlain Sr. stated. “Big fella is on his way to the statue. He is on his way to having a statue out front, perhaps next.
