In a display reminiscent of a mix between basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain and fictional boxing powerhouse Ivan Drago, Joel Embiid dominated the court, shattering records and spirits alike. Standing at an imposing 7 feet and almost 300 pounds, Embiid seemed determined to challenge anyone sporting the orange and blue of the New York Knicks.

As the reigning MVP, Embiid reignited a long-dormant rivalry when the Philadelphia 76ers faced the Knicks in the 2024 playoffs. His explosive performance, including a remarkable 50-point game and controversial physical plays, fueled the intensity of the matchup, leading to fervent, expletive-laden chants from the crowd at Madison Square Garden. That six-game series served as a thrilling prelude to what could become a heated rivalry, with Embiid perfectly cast as the antagonist New York loves to hate.

Embiid returned to Madison Square Garden for the first time since that electrifying playoff series on a recent Saturday night, contributing 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting, along with 10 rebounds and five assists, in the 76ers’ 130-119 victory over the Knicks.

“I love being here. It’s my favorite place in the entire world,” Embiid remarked. “It’s always good to be here, talk back to the fans. They were quiet today. I guess that’s what happens when you’re losing the whole game. I had fun going back-and-forth with them. Sometimes, it’s good to be liked. Sometimes, it’s good to be hated.”

While the 76ers are now largely defined by their emerging superstar Tyrese Maxey and the dynamic rookie VJ Edgecombe, who together scored 62 points, it was Embiid who truly captured the crowd’s ire. The fans booed him every time he touched the ball, and he skillfully provoked Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns into committing fouls, demonstrating once again his ability to rile up the opposition and the audience alike.

After spending the better part of the past few seasons managing lower-body injuries, Embiid again resembled one of the sport’s most unique and dominant talents, creating endless options out of the high-post, where he blew past 1-on-1 matchups and found teammates who offer more assistance than ever.

After averaging 18.2 points and 5.6 rebounds on 40.7 percent from the field in his first nine games of the season, Embiid put up 29.2 points (47.9 percent shooting from the field), 8.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 blocks in his previous six games before Saturday.

Embiid has played at least 30 minutes in eight consecutive appearances, while the 76ers (19-14) have won three straight games. He had been limited to a total of 58 games in the past two seasons and missed 17 games this season — including the 76ers’ Dec. 19 win in New York.

In Saturday’s final minute, Embiid was rewarded for cherry picking as he threw down his first dunk of the season, prompting the 31-year-old to run down the court with his arms raised in triumph and his smile stretching to Seventh Avenue, like a kid who won a carnival prize.

“It’s a pretty cheap way of getting it, but at least we know he can still dunk it,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said.

Once again, Embiid has raised the 76ers’ ceiling.

The rivalry, too.

“It’s good to play a good team,” Embiid said. “I’m sure you guys probably think they’re the favorite to win the East this year, so I guess [we did] pretty good.”