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Joel Embiid ties career high with 50 points in 27 minutes vs. Magic

Mo Bamba came out on fire against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.

Joel Embiid had an answer. The Philadelphia center tied a career high with 50 points to go with 12 rebounds as the 76ers rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit for a 123-110 win against Orlando. In doing so, Embiid joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in 76ers history to record multiple 50-point, 10-rebound games.

He did so in a hyper-efficient effort while connecting on 17 of 23 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. He needed just 27 minutes of action to reach the tally. He had 47 points through three quarters, but looked ready to finish the game on the bench as the 76ers extended their lead to 24 points in the fourth quarter.

He made a brief return halfway through the quarter and hit 3 of 4 free throw attempts to reach 50. He missed his last free throw that would have set a career high before making a quick return to the bench with the game's outcome in hand.

For a while, it looked like Bamba's night as the fourth-year Magic center opened the first half with 28 points while connecting on 7 of 8 3-pointers. His hot start led Orlando to a 57-47 halftime edge. He cooled off in the second half to finish with 32 points and four rebounds before fouling out. He didn't take another 3-pointer after halftime.

Embiid, meanwhile, scored 23 of his 50 points as the 76ers outscored the Magic 47-23 in the decisive third quarter.

Jan 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives against Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Joel Embiid made 50 look easy on Wednesday. (Bill Streicher/Reuters)