Forward Tobias Harris couldn't help but express his admiration for Joel Embiid after the latter went off for a career-high 50 points in the Philadelphia 76ers' 112-105 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday.
"I'll tell my kids one day I played with Joel Embiid," Harris told reporters postgame, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps. "When they'll ask me who is the best player I ever played with, I'll say Joel Embiid. It's an honor to be out there with him on the floor."
Embiid was unstoppable on both ends of the court as he also racked up 17 boards, five assists, four blocks, and a pair of steals. The big man is the first player in franchise history to register at least 50 points, 15 rebounds, and five dimes since Hall of Fame center Wilt Chamberlain in 1968, according to StatMuse.
Embiid shot 17-of-26 from the field and made 15-of-17 attempts from the charity stripe. He capped the night off with a contested step-back jumper in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
CAREER-HIGH 49 POINTS FOR JOEL EMBIID 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hpvsQ6EOLD
— ESPN (@espn) February 20, 2021
"I think that's what makes me unguardable ... I've been adding a lot to my game and it's been working well," Embiid said, according to Tom Moore of the Bucks County Courier Times. "I'm excited because that's what you got to do in the playoffs. You can't guard a step-back."
Embiid is making a strong MVP case for the East-leading 76ers. He entered Friday's contest averaging 29.7 points, 10.8 boards, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals.
The former No. 3 overall pick was recently named a starter for this year's All-Star Game.
