Joel Embiid hasn't been able to find consistency with the Philadelphia 76ers this season, but he was able to serve a reminder to the NBA on Friday night.
Following his second-straight 30-minute shift, the star center felt good about turning in his first 30-point effort since the start of the 2025-2026 NBA season.
“That's something for those people that don't think I can do that," Embiid told reporters after the game.
"I can't change their opinion. It feels good, obviously, playing like that. I feel like I can do it."
With a lack of consistent playing time this year, Embiid hasn't been able to improve his averages compared to last season, which was notably a down year for Embiid.
When he was on the court, the big man's minutes were capped at 25 until December 7. Absences haven't been avoided entirely, as Embiid has missed more games than not.
Friday's action against the Indiana Pacers was his 10th game of the year. He checked in for nearly 32 minutes and made 52 percent of his shots from the field. By also tacking on 13 free throws, Embiid scored 39 points. He came one rebound shy of a double-double and dished out three assists on the offensive end.
The Sixers ended up winning the game 115-105, despite missing their top scorer of the year in Tyrese Maxey, who has been dealing with an illness.
Embiid was able to serve the league a reminder that he's still able to score at an MVP-caliber clip, but the seven-time All-Star made it clear that the Sixers are able to find success in other ways these days.
"I think the dynamic is obviously different at times," he added.
“I want to play more as a team, making sure everybody's involved, so if someone has to sacrifice, I will. But on some occasions, when I got it going or nights like tonight, it's gotta happen. I don't expect having to do this when everyone is healthy, but I will if I have to.”
The Sixers are 6-4 when Embiid plays. He is averaging 20.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on the year.
With Friday's win, the Sixers jumped to fifth in the Eastern Conference, while holding a 14-10 record. They will pay a visit to Georgia on Sunday night for a meeting with the Atlanta Hawks.
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