CLEVELAND — Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid mentioned he would not know what else he has to do to win the MVP award this season after scoring 44 factors in a 112-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday night time.
He made 17 free throws, added 17 rebounds, 5 blocks and made 3 throws and three assists in 38 minutes.
Embiid has 11 video games with not less than 40 factors and 10 rebounds this season. Solely Russell Westbrook (12) and Moses Malone (12) have had extra in a single season for the reason that 1976-1977 merger. Each gamers received MVP in these seasons.
“If that occurs, nice,” Embiid mentioned of profitable his first MVP award. “If it would not, I do not know what to do. I will really feel like they hate me. I really feel the norm for the fellows in Philly or for me is totally different than anybody else’s.”
Embiid completed behind the Denver Nuggets Middle and was named MVP Nikola Jokic within the newest MVP ballot performed by ESPN final week. Jokic can be one of the best hardcore bookmaker to win the prize, with odds of -300 by way of Caesars Sportsbook. Embiid has the second shortest odds at +270.
Sixers coach Doc Rivers says Embiid’s passing, defence, and driving are neglected as a part of his good enjoying type.
“I do know he is my favourite man, clearly,” Rivers mentioned earlier than Sunday’s recreation. “He did plenty of issues.”
Rivers credit Embiid with attracting the Sixers by the “Ben Simmons saga”.
“He was our second greatest participant on the time and he got here out, and within the All-Star break after we did the deal, we had been out of primary within the East,” Rivers mentioned. “There’s a lot to be mentioned about it.”
James Harden, who scored 21 factors, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in his second triple-double with Philadelphia, additionally had an enormous endorsement for his celebrity after the sport.
“I witness his greatness each night time,” Harden mentioned. “His attacking numbers tonight clearly want no rationalization. Defensively, he was very energetic in blocking, altering photographs and shutting the paint was key.”
Embiid, 28, is averaging 30.2 factors, 11.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per recreation this season.
The Related Press and ESPN’s Stats & Info contributed to this story.
