Joel Embiid Joins Historic Company Following Latest Dominant Performance

Heading into Sunday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was questionable. It was the team's third game in four nights and the second leg of a home/road back-to-back. The reigning MVP ended up taking the floor and put together his most dominant outing of the year.

From the opening tip, Embiid left his mark on every area of the game. In just 29 minutes of action, he posted a stat line of 35 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and six blocks. Along with reminding the world that he is one of the game's most dominant forces, Embiid cemented his name alongside a trio of Hall of Fame big men.

Throughout NBA history, only four players have had 35 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks in a game multiple times. Those are Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and now Embiid.

Per @StatsWilliams: the following players have at least 35 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks in multiple games:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Shaquille O'Neal
Hakeem Olajuwon
Joel Embiid
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 30, 2023

The last time Embiid hit this mark was during the 2017-18 season. In a six-point win over the LA Lakers, he erupted for 46 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and seven blocks.

After the blowout win against the Trail Blazers, Embiid touched on his all-around performance. One of the key things he touched on was focusing on letting the game come to him and not forcing stuff on the floor.

"The key has been to just really let the game come to me," Embiid said. "Not force anything, take what's available, whether it's finding my teammates or just being aggressive."

Embiid isn't known for his playmaking skills, but it is an area he's worked hard to develop in recent years. His improved passing was on full display against the Blazers as he picked apart the opposing defense. Embiid has liked what he's seen from the Sixers so far ball movement-wise, and it's something he continues to preach.

"We playing fast, the ball is moving, guys are cutting," Embiid continued. "I been preaching that since training camp started that I'm gonna find you, just cut."

Through the first three games of the season, Embiid is thriving on both ends of the floor under Sixers new head coach Nick Nurse.