By Tommy Matthews
Joel Embiid’s 47 points and 18 rebounds extended the Sixers’ winning streak to seven with a 126-119 win over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
Jokic and Embiid have finished first and second in voting for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award over the last two seasons. Both are among the top candidates for MVP as this season hits the halfway mark, although Embiid was not named among the All-Star starters from the Eastern Conference.
“I’m used to it and it’s not the first time,” Embiid said.
“I think it’s more of a motivation to go out there and try to win the whole thing. That’s the only way that I’ll get that respect.”
“He’s really talented,” Jokic told the Denver Post of Embiid.
“Really shifty.”
James Harden had 17 points and 13 assists, and Tobias Harris scored all 14 of his points in the second half after being shut down by Denver’s defense in the first half.
Jokic had 24 points, eight rebounds and nine assists for Denver, which has lost three of its last four games. Jamal Murray chipped in 22 points and Michael Porter added 20.
Embiid has scored 40 or more points nine times this season and 35 times in his career. In addition to the All-Star snub, Embiid was also given a $25,000 fine by the NBA on Friday for an on-court demonstration after-basket celebration during Wednesday night’s win over Brooklyn.
“Let’s keep offending Joel by fining him and not putting him among the All-Star starters,” Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers said sarcastically.
