Embiid Shines and Joel Embiid Jokic Acknowledges Brilliance: MVP Ladder Insights After Sixers vs. Nuggets Clash
This week, Joel Embiid made a triumphant return from a three-game absence, delivering a pair of remarkable 41-point triple-doubles. Notably, he orchestrated a stellar performance on Tuesday with 41 points and 10 assists in a 126-121 victory over the Denver Nuggets, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Joel Embiid
Embiid didn’t just let his game speak for itself; he made a point to declare Jokic as “the best player in the league” after their intense matchup. Jokic, living up to the accolade, showcased his prowess with 25 points and an impressive 19 rebounds, including a career-high 11 offensive rebounds.
In their recent clash, Embiid continued his dominance over Jokic, achieving 40-plus points for the second consecutive game and maintaining a career record of 6-2 against him. An outstanding stat to note is Embiid’s ongoing streak of 30-point performances, which stands at 18, dating back to November 17, tying him with Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor for the sixth-longest such streak in NBA history.
In the aftermath of the game, Jokic himself acknowledged Embiid’s brilliance, stating, “The guy is amazing. I think there is nobody who can stop him one-on-one.” This sentiment echoes the sentiment across the league, solidifying Embiid’s claim to the top spot in the 2023-24 Kia Race to the MVP Ladder.
Taking a closer look at the MVP race, here are the top 5 contenders:
Joel Embiid Philadelphia 76ers
Season stats: 35.1 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 6.1 apg
Embiid’s impact is evident as the Sixers boast a 23-6 record with him this season.
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Season stats: 25.5 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 9.1 apg
Jokic continues to face challenges as opponents Joel Embiid attempt to limit his impact as a facilitator.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Season stats: 31 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 6.3 apg
Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring prowess contributes to the Thunder’s success, setting franchise records.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Season stats: 31.2 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 5.9 apg
Antetokounmpo leads in All-Star Game voting, showcasing his impact in the East.
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Season stats: 33.6 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 9.2 apg
Despite a brief hiatus, Doncic returned with a triple-double, highlighting his exceptional skills at just 24 years old.
As the season progresses, these standout performances will undoubtedly influence the MVP race, with Embiid currently leading the charge.
