Joel Embiid, the race for NBA MVP is over

Last night, Joel Embiid’s performance against the Boston Celtics with 52 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists may have put an end to the MVP title discussion.

In the post-game interview, the 76ers coach commented bluntly on Embiid’s dominant performance:

We did so many things wrong, but what we did well was Joel Embiid. The MVP race is over

Doc Rivers

There are still games left before the end of the regular season and the start of the NBA Playoffs 2023, but at this point, it’s difficult to argue against Doc Rivers. Even James Harden has voiced his opinion on the MVP title:

Joel should win it… he’s been in the running for this award for the past few years. He led the league in scoring last year and could do it again this year. We’re the third team in the East. He’s been consistent throughout the season

James Harden

Several times this season, Joel Embiid has proven to be difficult to contain, and even Derrick White expressed this thought very clearly in post-game interviews:

I think the whole league is trying to figure out how to stop him… so if you have any ideas, I think every other NBA team would like to know

Derrick White

Embiid’s performance was historic, becoming the first player in the 24-second shot clock era to score more than half of his team’s points while shooting 80% from the field, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to have at least 50 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists with an 80% field goal efficiency.

Yes, after tonight, the race for the MVP title is truly over.