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Updated March 4th, 2021 at 15:24 IST

Joel Embiid jumps to top of NBA MVP ladder after series of incredible performances

As the Philadelphia 76ers edge past the Utah Jazz in their 131-123 overtime victory, Joel Embiid might be one step closer to winning his first NBA MVP award.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
Joel Embiid
| Image:self
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Joel Embiid's performance this season has made him a frontrunner for the NBA MVP award. The Cameroonian athlete has made a name for himself in the league, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to their Eastern Conference-leading record. While he was sidelined for a few games, Embiid's return has strengthened the team, meanwhile also increasing his chances to bag the MVP award at the end of the season. 

Also read | NBA MVP Rankings: LeBron James continues to lead race, Joel Embiid and Jokic follow

Jazz vs 76ers score: Joel Embiid stats and performance

The Philadelphia 76ers 131-123 overtime win over the Utah Jazz has only helped Embiid's chances of winning his first MVP award. He excelled offensively and defensively over the Jazz, dropping 40 points, 19 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal in his 40-minute play. He went head-to-head with two-time Defensive Player of the Year, attempting 13 free throws. He made 10 of them. 

Snubbed a spot on the All-NBA team last season, Embiid's performance this year will be difficult to ignore. A few days ago, Embiid was chosen to be at the top of the MVP ladder over LeBron James and Nikola Jokic. He is averaging 30.2 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, shooting 52.1% from the field and 41.6% from the three-point range. 

Jokic, also Embiid's competition, is another centre dominating the league now. However, as the Denver Nuggets are placed seventh in the Western Conference, Embiid with the top-seeded 76ers might have more chances of winning the award.

Also read | Joel Embiid feels playing FIFA is harder than guarding Lakers star Anthony Davis

Ben Simmons, who had 17 points against the Jazz, is also in line for the Defensive Player of the year award. 

"Those are the matchups you want to dominate and prove we have a great team," Embiid said after their win over the league-leading Jazz. "I want to dominate on the offensive end but mainly on the defensive end". 

Donovan Mitchell had 33 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the Jazz, who have now lost two games in a row. Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic scored 18 each. Mitchell was ejected when 30.8 seconds were remaining. "I'm never ever one to blame the refs, but this is getting out of hand," he said, adding that they are constantly getting 'screwed'. "It's really, really, really getting out of hand. The league needs to do something about this". 

Also read | Joel Embiid scores career-high 50 points, 76ers beat Bulls

James Harden stats

James Harden, leading the Brooklyn Nets while Kevin Durant is sidelined, is averaging 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 11.1 assists. In his return to Houston, posting 29 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists – this eighth triple-double since his trade in January.  Harden was 10th on the MVP ladder as of February 26. 

Also read | Joel Embiid had 38 points, 76ers beat Celtics 122-110

(Image credits: Philadelphia 76ers Instagram)

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Published March 4th, 2021 at 15:24 IST

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