The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid saved his MVP chances

By Sheldon Washington

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks off the court against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2022 in New York City. Philadelphia 76ers won 125-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks off the court against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2022 in New York City. Philadelphia 76ers won 125-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

The Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is your 2021-22 NBA MVP. There’s no doubt about it. Unless you’re Nikola Jokic.

Jokic has had a historic season that was on full display on Sunday afternoon against a LeBron James-less Lakers team to the tune of 38 points, 18 rebounds, and six assists. An absolute virtuoso game from Jokic. The Lakers had no answer for the reigning MVP on the block, and from the perimeter.

Not even a healthy Anthony Davis could’ve helped much to stop the Joker from getting whatever he wanted. If Tim Duncan was looking for a predecessor, Nikola Jokic is it for this generation. Minimal athleticism, supreme fundamentals.

Trending. Harden is not the Answer. Again.. light

Add on the fact that he lead his team to a win on a primetime Sunday nationally televised game, and the voters for the MVP are casting in their ballots now. Nikola Jokic is your 2021-22 NBA MVP.

Unless you responded like Joel Embiid. His 44 points, 17 rebounds, and five blocks game against the Cavs more than answered the MVP voters who started writing their ballots for Jokic repeating as the NBA’s top player of the regular season. The Sixers also clinched a playoff spot for the fifth consecutive season. The longest stretch since the early 2000s. His dominance was showcased in a must-win game. Not just for playoff positioning, but for this important fact.

If the Sixers would’ve lost on Sunday night, Joel Embiid would’ve lost the MVP race. Why do you ask? I’m glad the question was posed. Allow me to explain.