Exciting mid-season in Joel Embiid vs Nikola Jokic MVP title

• Denver Nuggets faced off with Philadelphia 76ers
• It is an electrifying NBA mid-season
• Embiid orchestrated a remarkable 15-point comeback in the second half against Nuggets

Denver Nuggets face off with Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday showed the hard face of Joel Embiid vs Nikola Jokic MVP title run.

It is an electrifying NBA mid-season with possibilities checking in quite early. A year ago, Embiid orchestrated a remarkable 15-point comeback in the second half against Nuggets.

This led to a victory that substantially slashed his MVP odds from +700 to +360. While Embiid ultimately secured the award, Jokic remains the marginal favourite in current betting markets.

The MVP title this season mirrors a situation from the previous season between the two players. However, with his impactful performance in a 126-121 victory against the Nuggets on Tuesday, Embiid made a resounding statement, signalling his intent to reclaim the top spot in the MVP race.

Joel Embiid vs Nikola Jokic MVP

Joel Embiid of Philadelphia 76ers with Nikola Jokic of Denver Nuggets. Photo/NBC Sports

In a captivating showdown, Jokic delivered an impressive performance, amassing 25 points and 19 rebounds in a losing effort.

However, it was Embiid who stole the spotlight with a phenomenal display – a 41-point, 10-assist, seven-rebound masterclass.

His brilliance reached its zenith in the fourth quarter when he re-entered the game with the score tied at 111. Despite traded buckets from Jokic and Maxey, Embiid’s dominance emerged.

Between the 6:57 and 3:32 marks, he orchestrated a remarkable 10-0 run, propelling the 76ers to a 123-113 lead they maintained till the end.

While this performance would stand out in a typical season, it was comparatively modest given Embiid’s exceptional standards this year.

Marking his eighth 40-point game, it marked the first instance since Nov. 17 that he fell short of the 30-point, 10-rebound benchmark.

Nonetheless, he compensated with a remarkable 10 assists, showcasing his versatility. In the aftermath of the game, despite his outstanding performance, Embiid demonstrated humility, acknowledging Jokic’s prowess.

The two shared a postgame hug, and although the camera missed Embiid’s whispered words to Jokic. Embiid later revealed he told him he considered him the best player in the league.

“I just told him he’s the best player in the league. Like I told you earlier, he won a championship, that’s the best team in the league. He’s the Finals MVP. So I was just telling him, ‘Keep going, I’ll see you in two weeks, keep doing your thing, that’s why you’re the best in the league,” Embiid told CBS Sports reports.

When is Denver Nuggets Playin With Philadelphia 76ers?

Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic. He is up for the season’s MVP title closely contensted by Philadelphia 76ers player Joel Embiid. Photo/The Cold Wire

The 76ers are set to face the Nuggets in Denver on Saturday, January 27, providing Jokic with an opportunity to substantiate Embiid’s praise.

However, recent patterns in Embiid’s playing history hint that his participation in that game might not be guaranteed.

Although Jokic and Embiid have consistently ranked first and second in the MVP race for three consecutive years, Embiid hasn’t played a single road game in Denver during this period.

Concerns arose about his availability for Tuesday night’s game, the second half of a back-to-back for the 76ers, but he ultimately played.

Having missed seven of the last 11 games, Philadelphia is prioritizing Embiid’s health, aiming to ensure his full strength for the playoffs.

Jokic claimed the top spot in most preseason player rankings, as per CBS Sports, The Ringer, and Bleacher Report.

Before Embiid secured the 2023 MVP, Jokic had won the previous two trophies. This year’s MVP race is notably competitive, with players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

However, Embiid’s assertion holds weight – the designation of the “best player in the league” is determined in the playoffs, not the regular season.

While Embiid’s stellar performance on Tuesday may edge him closer to a second MVP, seizing Jokic’s more consequential “best in the world” title will require success in June.