Philadelphia star Joel Embiid goes nuts in ‘monstrous’ first half but Sixers still lose

A “monstrous” first half performance has reaffirmed Philadelphia star Joel Embiid’s MVP credentials but his showing wasn’t enough to help the 76ers to a win over the Indiana Pacers.

The 113-101 loss to the Pacers was the 76ers’ third loss at home this season and their second loss this week as they slumped to 19-11.

With Jimmy Butler out with a strained groin, Embiid stood up again, scoring 28 points and racking up 14 rebounds — in the first half.

Joel Embiid had 28 points and 14 rebounds in the 1st half. He’s the 3rd player in the last 15 seasons with at least 28 pts and 14 reb in a half, joining Dwight Howard (Mar. 21, 2018 vs the Nets) and Carlos Boozer (Mar. 26, 2007 vs the Wizards). pic.twitter.com/50OtkHpJP3

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 15, 2018

Aussie superstar Ben Simmons was strong as well scoring 10 points with six rebounds in the first half and finishing just short of a double-double with 18 points and nine assists. But he was dwarfed by his teammate.

Embiid passed 30 points and 20 rebounds, becoming the first Philadelphia player since Charles Barkley in 1990 to do so and the 10th player in the history of the franchise to record such a feat.

He ended the night with 40 points, 21 rebounds and three assists.

It was an incredible performance and one that renews calls for the 24-year-old Cameroonian’s MVP favouritism.

He’s been putting up huge numbers with his first half double-double his 25th of the season in just 28 games, which leads the NBA ahead of Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz, who has 24 from 29 games.

Embiid has also had 15 games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo next best on eight.

He’s averaging more than 26 points per game to sit sixth in the NBA and 13 rebounds each outing, placing him fourth overall.

Fans were stunned by the performance.

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