Joel Embiid might be back in the MVP race as he clutched consistent games for the Philadelphia Sixers. The big man is averaging 29 points per game and is on a roll while carrying the Sixers.
The big man mentioned that initially, he had a slow start to the season. His slow start according to his standards is averaging 27 points per game!
This slow start was nothing but a passing cloud as Embiid carried Philidelphia to an impressive three straight wins. This was done as he attacked intensively and forced his way back into the MVP race along the way.
The initial absence of Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid was out for four out of the starting 10 games of the Sixers. The center was faced with “right knee injury recovery” and a scuffle with the flu. Since Embiid’s return, he’s back to making himself the man who led in scoring last season.
Present situation
Embiid in his last five games averaged 39 minutes, 40 points per game, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Joel is a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor and we sure can be curious about how he performs against Sacramento Kings on Wednesday (14th December).
The Sixers guard, James Harden was sidelined due to a foot strain. Embiid is shining on both ends of the floor. Joel isn’t stopping as he went off for a season-high 42 points where 14-of-25 was because of shooting, six assists, and two steals.
During the second game against the Atlanta Hawks, he defensively secured 10 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in a 121-108 victory on November 10th. This wasn’t all, he even managed to break his record.
According to reports, Embiid made NBA history when he put up 59 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and seven blocks against Utah Jazz on Nov 12th.
Since blocks became official in 1973-74, Joel Embiid is the first player in NBA History to record 50+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 5+ blocks in a game. https://t.co/xtwTgbCmmC
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) November 14, 2022
Embiid is the first player in the past 50 years to compete and finish with at least 50 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks in a single game!
Who will win the 2022-23 NBA MVP award?
There are four frontrunners when it comes to the MVP candidates:
Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum. These guys have been posting up consistent numbers in every game they play and also assist in the conference placement as well. It is tough to determine who will be the MVP and the regular season plays a huge role in determining the same.
It’ll also be tough if any other contender ( like Joel Embiid) is on the rise! Multiple factors including team play, personal stats, and many others are taken into consideration. The game is getting pretty interesting. Players are now more tuned in determining the flow of the game with their skills and stats.