Joel Embiid shares a special moment with son Arthur after losing 40 years

The Philadelphia 76ers overcame a challenging night to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 124-114 on Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena, led by a stellar performance from star center Joel Embiid. This was the first game of the Sixers without forward Paul George, who received a 25-game suspension hours before being reported for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. George’s suspension left a void on the floor, but Embiid, who played in front of 2000-01 Philly legend Allen Iverson and a celebrated Eastern Conference championship team, added authority.

In his 12th NBA season and 10th active year with the 76ers, Embiid finished with 40 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal in 39 minutes. He shot 13 of 27 from the field, including 3 of 5 from three-point range, and made 11 of 14 free throws. The performance was his first 40-point game of the season.

The night presented a touching moment for Embiid. His five-year-old son Arthur joined his father on the field as he gave an interview after the win and innocently asked:

“How much did you get?”

Embiid proudly replied with a huge smile on his face:

“I’m 40!”

Joel Embiid’s son Arthur: “How much did you get?”

Joel Embiid to his son: “I’m 40!”

This moment after the game in Philadelphia 🥹 https://t.co/h9diLKSicJo pic.twitter.com/kumMloIKsH

— NBA (@NBA) February 1, 2026

The Sixers received strong support from their supporting cast. Kelly Oubre Jr. recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, along with four assists. Tyrese Maxey added 18 points, eight assists and five rebounds, while VJ Edgecombe had 15 points and five assists. Second-year guard Jared McCain also had 12 points, including four 3-pointers, and an assist. Dominique Barlow and Trendon Watford provided secondary scoring and defensive support. Philadelphia shot 17 of 36 from three-point range and outrebounded New Orleans 52-46.

The Pelicans, now 13-38 on the season and 14th in the Western Conference, were led by Sadiq Bey, who scored 34 points and grabbed six rebounds. The 76ers’ defensive look kept Zion Williamson in check, and he scored 11 points on six field goal attempts with five rebounds. Trey Murphy III had nineteen points and nine rebounds, while Jeremiah Fears scored 12 off the bench.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia improved to 27-21 on the season, holding onto sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers have won three straight and will look to extend the streak on Monday when they host the Los Angeles Clippers.