'Unbelievable from the start,' Joel Embiid scores 50 points in 27 minutes as Philadelphia 76ers win

PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid tied his career high with 50 points in just 27 minutes, leading a dominant third quarter that carried the Philadelphia 76ers to a 123-110 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.

Embiid also had 12 rebounds and three blocks while making 17 of 23 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. The four-time All-Star and MVP candidate played just 58 seconds of the fourth quarter.

«My teammates just found me,» Embiid said, humbly. «And I did the rest.»

According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Embiid's total in that time span was the second-fewest minutes played in a 50-point game in the shot-clock era. Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson had 52 points on Oct. 29, 2018 in 26:33 of game time.

Tobias Harris added 21 points for the 76ers, who have won nine of 11. Philadelphia began play sixth in the East but just 2½ games out of the top spot.

Mo Bamba set career highs with 32 points and seven 3-pointers for Orlando. The rebuilding Magic dropped to an NBA-worst 8-38 with their third straight loss and 13th defeat in the last 14 games.

Philadelphia was booed off the court at halftime, trailing 57-47. But the 76ers came out determined after the break, using a 17-6 run over the first 5:05 to jump in front, 64-63. Embiid finally got some help from his teammates during the spurt, as Tyrese Maxey drained a pair of 3-pointers.

Before the game, 76ers coach was asked about potential additions to the roster with the NBA trade deadline approaching, and he was up front and honest. Then, his best player went out and gave any potential new teammates a glimpse of what they may join.

«You need playmakers in the playoffs, you just do,» Rivers said. «You need guys who are going to make plays for themselves