Sixers Star Drops 41 Points, Outduels Reigning Back-to-Back MVP
In a highly anticipated showdown between two of the NBA’s biggest superstars on Tuesday night, Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers outlasted Nikola Jokić and the defending champion Denver Nuggets 126-121 in a down-to-the-wire thriller.
Embiid was utterly dominant, scoring 41 points on 14-23 shooting along with 11 rebounds to lead Philly. The 7-footer controlled the game from the opening tip, bullying his way inside against overmatched Nuggets defenders. As competitive as the matchup was throughout, Embiid saved his best for last – taking over the fourth quarter by scoring 15 points in the final frame to seal the victory.
“That was Joel Embiid putting his imprint on a game against the reigning MVP,” said 76ers coach Doc Rivers.
Meanwhile, Jokić put up 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in an impressive outing of his own. But with the game on the line, the Joker didn’t have enough answers for Embiid’s sheer force of will in the closing minutes.
“[Embiid] just made tough shots,” Jokić admitted after the game. “I played good defense, so I can live with that.”
Fourth Quarter Takeover Decides Thriller
In a game that featured 13 lead changes and 11 ties, the final twelve minutes were poised to determine the outcome between two evenly-matched heavyweights.
Clinging to a slim 101-99 advantage entering the fourth, the Sixers turned to their franchise cornerstone to seize control. Embiid scored seven quick points to extend the margin to 108-101, forcing a Nuggets timeout while the Philly crowd erupted.
“The fans gave me a lot of energy,” said Embiid. “I just wanted to come out and set the tone.”
Jokić and the Nuggets refused to go away, cutting it to 121-119 in the final minute. But Embiid had the emphatic response once again, hitting a cold-blooded step-back jumper to make it 123-119. It was the dagger that finally slayed the defending champs.
Key Stats:
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Embiid | 41 | 11 | 3 |
| Nikola Jokić | 24 | 9 | 7 |
“Embiid is such a handful,” said Nuggets wing Bruce Brown, who drew the primary defensive assignment. “He’s huge, he’s skilled, he can shoot from anywhere. And then he’s talking trash to you the whole time too. It gets tiring.”
Battle of Former MVPs Lives Up to Hype
This showdown between former MVPs and current MVP candidates was circled on the NBA calendar for weeks ever since the schedules came out last summer.
Jokić entered as the two-time defending Most Valuable Player, solidifying his superstar status by leading Denver to a surprising championship last June. Embiid has staked his own claim as the league’s most dominant two-way force, coming off a MVP runner-up campaign last season.
The game ultimately swung Philly’s way thanks a legendary performance from Embiid. But for most of the 48 minutes, the matchup delivered on its lofty expectations and then some.
There were dizzying displays of skill, as two of the most talented big men on the planet traded silky smooth jumpers and artful post moves possession after possession. There was intense physicality, neither backing down from the fight. And there was elite shot-making under pressure, befitting players of their elite stature.
As current NBA players and legends weighed in on social media, the consensus was clear – this battle warrants regular season legend status despite happening in mid-January with 50 games left:
Two MVPs going at it. This is what it’s all about.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 17, 2024
Embiid vs Jokic might go down as the best regular season center matchup ever
—pickuphoop (@pickuphoop) January 17, 2024
“I hope [the fans] enjoyed the show,” said Embiid, who finished +7 in his 37 minutes with Jokić on the floor. “It was fun playing against [Jokić] and I’m glad I was able to make a couple plays to help our team win.”
“When the best players compete against each other, it’s fun to watch,” Rivers added about the late-game drama. “The only thing better is when it’s [in the] playoffs.”
What’s Next After Sixers Win Statement Game
At 30-16, the red-hot Sixers now hold the second-best record in the Eastern Conference behind only the Boston Celtics. They weren’t expected to be true contenders entering the season. But sparked by Embiid’s MVP-level dominance and Tyrese Maxey’s star turn in his third season, Philly looks like one of the class of the NBA through the halfway point.
Meanwhile, the loss drops the Nuggets to 25-17. But they aren’t panicking after letting one slip away against another powerhouse, especially once Jamal Murray returns from injury to reconstitute their vaunted Big 3 with Jokić and Aaron Gordon. Denver is still firmly in the mix near the top of the Western Conference.
And if these teams meet again come June? We’ll happily take a seven-game sequel to Tuesday’s classic.
“Much respect to [Jokić],” said Embiid. “I keep telling him he’s the best player in the league. And to me, I think he’s won enough. Now it’s my turn.”
Judging from his performance in their first head-to-head battle this season, Embiid looks ready to lead Philly to the promised land. Get your popcorn ready.
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