Joel Embiid is delivering game-defining performances on regular basis, making a strong case in the MVP race
Philadelphia 76ers defeated San Antonio Spurs to extend their winning streak to 6. This streak consists of a win against championship contender Brooklyn Nets. The 76ers bettered their overall record to 22-16 and now rank 5th in the East.
The catalyst for this run or rather the overall performance of the team without a doubt is Joel Embiid. The Philly team was struggling when Embiid was sidelined due to NBA Covid-19 health and Safety protocol, but now making a huge stride towards the top 4 since Embiid’s return.
In 2021, 76ers could rely on Ben Simmons when Embiid is not available for games, still, they had a 10-11 record without their star Center player. This season the 76ers didn’t have Simmons, which led to a poor 3-8 record without Embiid as well. The team also could manage 102 points per game, a huge 7 point drop from the Embiid-led team.
Statistically, Embiid has been very consistent with his performances. He averages 26.8 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game for the 76ers. In the case of Embiid, it is not only the on-court stats that affect the team performance; his presence, leadership, and energy are what brings the best out of his teammates.
Is Joel Embiid a KIA MVP candidate?
Well, KIA MVP for the regular season is a prestigious individual award in NBA. Since the 1981 season, a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters in the US and Canada decides the award through voting. They vote for the top 5 candidates and each position has a different point weightage. The total of these points decides the winner.
This season, NBA fans have witnessed different commendable performances and some stars are putting those productions on regular basis. Reigning MVP winner Nikola Jokic is performing exceptionally for his team. 2-time regular season MVP and 2021 finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is on beast mode, making life difficult for opponents at both ends of the floor.
2014 MVP Kevin Durant is stacking up huge points per game. Stephen Curry is also looking all set to get his 3rd MVP award, and finally, LeBron James’ huge on-court production is making him a feasible front runner for his 5th MVP award.
But with these 5 superstars in the race, Embiid’s performance cannot be ignored. He is carrying the team single-handedly just like those in the MVP discussions. Embiid and the team have already beaten the Warriors, Nuggets, Nets this season, though they were unable to overcome Giannis’ team – Embiid didn’t feature in that game.
Also looking at previous MVP stats:
2021:: Nikola Jokic:: 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists
2020:: Giannis Antetokounmpo :: 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists
2019:: Giannis Antetokounmpo :: 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists
2018:: James Harden:: 30.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 8.6 assists
These are similar to Embiid’s current stats. He also ranks in the top 5 for points per game and efficiency rating in NBA. So Joel Embiid defiantly should be considered in the MVP mix.
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