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Joel Embiid has not been the same player this season compared to previous campaigns. Most people know him to be the world-beater center who beat Nikola Jokic to an MVP award in 2023.
That is not the case with Embiid now, but he has certainly shown some flashes for the Philadelphia 76ers. On Thursday, Embiid got a big-time triple-double, which is yet another standout performance on the 22nd of January.
Embiid has a unique relationship with January 22
While Embiid played limited games in the 2024-25 season, the former MVP had a standout game on January 22, 2024. Back then, he scored a career-high 70 points.
Two years later, he had a stat line of 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in an overtime victory against the Houston Rockets. It has become a familiar day for Embiid, which he has also realized.
MORE: Report: 76ers' Joel Embiid 'is as healthy as he has been for two years'
Embiid continues to be one of the most impressive players for the 76ers this season. He has gone under the radar as one of their best players, mostly because of the excellence of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
However, Embiid still has some standout nights like this from time to time. Moving forward, the 76ers could have a more locked-in Embiid, which is a promising development for a team that could surprise people in the postseason.
"After the game, I thought I would have a baby on January 22nd. Me and my wife, we will probably talk about those calculations, and make sure to think about January 22nd," Embiid jokingly said about the special link he has with a certain date.
It will be difficult to play against the 76ers when they have this much of a locked-in Embiid. With the star duo of him and Maxey, the 76ers will be one of the most challenging matchups.
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