Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid Dominates in Win Over Denver Nuggets

In a battle of MVP candidates, Joel Embiid topped Nikola Jokic to lift the Philadelphia 76ers over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday afternoon. The five-time All Star posted an incredible 47 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks in a 126-119 win.

47 PTS | 18 REB | 5 AST | 3 STL | 2 BLK

we're glad @JoelEmbiid starts for us.

🎥 presented by @palottery pic.twitter.com/1TJq971Kce
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 28, 2023

Jokic wasn't too shabby himself, hitting eight of his 12 field goal attempts for an efficient 24 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, but Embiid was simply transcendent. In 37 minutes, the big man hit 18 of his 31 shots, seven of his 10 free throw attempts, and even four of his seven three-point attempts. It was his ninth 40+ point game of the season.

Embiid has been perhaps the NBA's most overwhelming force when available this season, posting averages of 33.8 points (an NBA high), 10.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game over his 36 appearances, all with a career-high .642 true shooting percentage. In a crowded MVP race, his 12 missed games could cost him, but no one would dare argue with his performance on the court. At 32-16, his 76ers are second in the Eastern Conference and well-positioned to do significant damage in the postseason.

The 76ers host the Orlando Magic on Monday night.