Philly’s Own Kyle Lowry Makes His Philadelphia 76ers Debut
Last night, the Philadelphia 76ers began the unofficial second half of the team’s season when they took on the New York Knicks in the team’s first game back after the NBA All-Star Game.
Not only did it mark the 76ers return to the court, but it also marked the return of a Philly basketball legend playing for his hometown team for the first time.
This guy played his high school basketball at Cardinal Dougherty High School, which is now closed, and he played his college basketball at Villanova.
For a long time, this player has been a real thorn in the side of many 76ers fans, including being a part of a team that eliminated the Sixers and went on to win the NBA Finals in 2019.
If you haven’t guessed by now, I am talking about none other than Kyle Lowry!
Kyle Lowry grew up in North Philly, and he’s as local as it gets.
Besides 97.5 The Fanatic’s Pat Egan, Kyle Lowry is by far the most notable alumni from Cardinal Doc!
Being that I am a huge Nova basketball fan, it goes without saying that I was pumped to see him finally play in a 76ers uniform, and to be the one who interviewed him in front of the sold-out Wells Fargo Center crowd!
Besides the fact that the 76ers lost, it really was an exciting night.
Not only did Lowry return in a Sixers uniform last night, but a few more former Villanova guys took the court last night as well… Just on the opposing side.
Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo all played a ton of minutes for the Knicks last night.
Plus, notorious Knicks fan, Spike Lee, attended the game! Boooooooooooo!
Luckily for the Sixers, there’s not much time to think about the loss as the team is back in action tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Go Sixers!
Kyle Lowry’s Sixers Debut Photos:
The Inside Look At Joel Embiid's Historic 70 Point Game
I have been doing the public address announcements for the Philadelphia 76ers for almost three decades. I have seen a ton of cool and historic things over the years. With that being said, I’ve never seen what Joel Embiid did last night at the Wells Fargo Center.
I consider it a privilege to be able to announce for the Sixers in Embiid’s era with the team and in the NBA. It is truly amazing.
What he did last night was truly unreal and there are not enough adjectives to describe his performance.
In case you are living under a rock, or had an early night last night, here’s the headline. The reigning MVP set a Sixers franchise record last night with a 70-point game against the San Antonio Spurs.
He broke Wilt Chamberlain’s previous record of 68 points scored in a single game, which Wilt did in 1967.
For those wondering — Yes, Wilt Chamberlain did, in fact, score 100 points before in a single game for a Philadelphia team. But it was actually with the Philadelphia Warriors, not the 76ers.
Anytime you can beat a record held by Wilt Chamberlain, you know you are amongst the all-time greats.
Well, that is exactly what Joel Embiid did last night.
Oh, and if his 70 points were not enough for you, he also checked in with a career-high in rebounds as well with 18 boards.
Talk about a man on a mission.
Last night was already a special night to begin with. Rookie sensation, Victor Wembanyama, took the court for the first time in his career in Philadelphia.
Wemby is a 7’4” center from France. He is the most highly touted rookie since LeBron James. So you know the building had a buzz to start the night.
Then Joel Embiid took the court, and you could just tell by his body language that he was going to dominate.
However, I don’t think anyone in the building could predict just what he was going to do.
Speaking of people in the building, the stars were out to see the game last night, including M Night Shyamalan, Charlie Mack, Brian Westbrook, Duce Staley, Michael Schulson, Michael Rubin, Tyrone and Denise Maxey, the 6th man Alan Horwitz, and Jumaine Jones — who actually rang the bell as well!
I think it is safe to say that they all left impressed.
I know I did — so much so that Good Day Philadelphia is sending a cameraman to the MGK studios to get my reaction!
Congrats to Joel Embiid on a historic night, and I can’t wait to see what he does next!
If they let him play all 48 minutes in one game, I am sure he can break Chamberlain’s record of 100 points one day!
Enjoy the social media reactions and sights on sounds from my perspective last night below!
Matt Cord is the host of the Matt Cord Show. He is a lover of all Philly Sports and has been the voice of the Sixers for 27 years and NBA2K for the past 4 years. As a cyclist enthusiast, Matt writes about his adventures all throughout the city.