NBA
Joel Embiid Showed Why He’s the NBA’s MVP When Healthy
On the same night Joel Embiid got second place in the MVP voting, he showed why he deserves it when healthy after a 40-point double-double
Chris Smoove/YouTube
After a disappointing loss in Game 1, the Philadelphia 76ers bounced back thanks to a dominant second half performance to even the series. Joel Embiid had a 40-point double-double to lead all scorers, Seth Curry added 21 with a great outing from beyond the arc, and Tobias Harris recorded 22 in an efficient game. This time around, the Sixers did a much better job defensively, specifically in containing Trae Young. He wasn’t allowed much access to the paint, where he likes to toss it to a big man or shoot a floater.
JOEL EMBIID SHOWED WHY HE’S THE NBA’S MVP WHEN HEALTHY
COLORS KEY | FULL 76ERS OUTLOOK
Game 2 of the series fell on the same day in which the league’s MVP was announced. It was given to Nikola Jokic, and Joel Embiid finished second. He then proceeded to drop 40 points in what felt like a must-win game for Philly, proving that he is the league’s MVP when healthy. Back in March, it looked like he was on his way to getting the award, but an injury sidelined him for several games, which significantly reduced his chances.
After his performance on Tuesday, Embiid reminded everyone why he was the favorite just a couple months ago, as he looked like himself prior to being sidelined. Nikola Jokic had a hell of a season and deserves the MVP for his overall body of work, especially once Jamal Murray went down, but what Embiid this season on both ends of the floor while leading the number 1 team in the East would’ve likely earned him Philly’s first MVP award since Allen Iverson 20 years ago had Embiid stayed healthy.
🔥 40 PTS FOR EMBIID 🔥@JoelEmbiid‘s #NBAPlayoffs career high powers the @sixers in Game 2.. Series tied 1-1 as it shifts to Atlanta, with Game 3 on Friday at 7:30pm/et on ESPN. #ThatsGame pic.twitter.com/3SJxIU7AlW
— NBA (@NBA) June 9, 2021
Share this Joel Embiid article with friends and follow for more great sports content!
