Last year’s MVP race went down to the wire between big men Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. The two players were at the top of the league all season long and entrenched themselves in a rightful two-man race.
While Jokic, who had won the award back-to-back in 2021 and 2022, had proven to be so dominant that the opportunity to win a third MVP was standing in front of him, it was Embiid who eventually took home the trophy for the first time in his career.
Fast forward several months to the current time. We’re in the middle of the 2023-24 season and the MVP races seems to be heading to the same two-player discussions we’ve already had the year prior. Both Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid were able to further improve their performances, while playing incredible seasons.
Last night, when the Denver Nuggets played the Philadelphia 76ers, the two met each other as opponents on the court. Embiid vs. Jokic definitely is must-watch TV, and the two showed the basketball world why that is.
Embiid came out on top, as the Sixers beat the Nuggets with 126-121. The reigning MVP finished with 41 points, seven rebounds and 10 rebounds, thereby ending his streak of games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds at 16 straight. Jokic finished with 25 points and 19 rebounds – 11 of which came on the offensive end, marking a new career high for the Joker.
The 76ers looked to make Jokic more of a scorer than an all-around offensive hub, with the three assists are the fewest he’s had in a game since November 1. While other teams may look to take a similar approach to defending the Finals MVP, few can match Philadelphia’s personnel.
After the game, the two rivals embraced and Embiid could be seen talking to Jokic for a good while. When asked what the two superstars were talking about, Embiid revealed that he gave Jokic his well-deserved flowers by telling him that he’s the best player in the league.
“I just told him he’s the best player in the league.”
“I just told him he’s the best player in the league.”
Joel Embiid says there’s all love between the last two #KiaMVP‘s after their battle tonight. pic.twitter.com/84G3H70lKL
— NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2024
