His opposition to Nikola Jokic at home last year marked a highlight of his MVP season. Joel Embiid then dominated the reigning MVP with 47 points in a benchmark success for Philadelphia.
A year later, the Sixers pivot did it again with a new XXL match with 41 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. The duel was obviously expected and Joel Embiid rose to the occasion before enjoying his embrace in front of his “best enemy” At the end of the match.
“I simply told him he was the best player in the league”did he declare. “Like I told you, he won a title, he’s the best team in the league, and he’s the Finals MVP. So, I told him to keep it up, to keep doing what he knows how to do, and that’s why he’s the best in the league.”
A knee that feels good
From the outset, he was able to be efficient and was thus able to enter his match and gain confidence. He also stood out for his efficiency in creation, with balls coming out well for 3-pointers which hurt, particularly in the third quarter. Finally, his fourth quarter established his domination. He was indeed imperial in the “money-time”, brilliantly completing his team's 18-2 with three baskets including a 2+1 in front of Aaron Gordon and a 3-pointer on the head of the Joker to seal the fate of the match (123-113).
Recently returning from a minor knee problem, he showed that he was well and truly recovered since this was his second game in a row with 41 points, all in “back-to-back”!
“Tonight’s duel is not just a heavyweight match”, recalled Nick Nurse before the meeting. “There’s a little more to it than that. I think it’s worth going to see what happens tonight.” Nikola Jokic had a similar speech, not wishing to comment on the idea of a potential duel next June…
“I’m not playing against him, I’m playing against Philadelphia” explained the Joker. “It was a good duel.”
