Joel Embiid went through hell over the last few seasons to get to this point in the NBA. He was recently named the 2023 KIA Most Valuable Player of the Year after a masterful season with the Philadelphia 76ers this time. For the last few years, he had been lingering around the MVP ladder but often overlooked for his performances. There was a heated debate last season involving Nikola Jokic and himself as fans questioned the worthiness of the actual winner.
The MVP award is one of the most sought-after individual accolades in the NBA. Several players made strong cases for it this year. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic were also frontrunners to win it. However, Embiid earned the award this time around. On being announced the MVP for the season, he was surrounded by his teammates. They applauded him and James Harden gave him a big hug.
Damn this is so awesome. Rooting for him and harden this playoffs
— Bowser (@mbowser19) May 3, 2023
How can anyone not love this team
— 🏈A Mandalorian🏀Your Sports Fantasy Girl⚾️ (@sexysportslover) May 2, 2023
One of the coolest moments of the season. Well deserved. ❤️
— Kendall (@herleorr) May 2, 2023
I’ve now watched this clip approximately eleventy billion times.
— CathyW 💙❤️💙 (@crweisinger) May 3, 2023
It was a very special moment that Embiid got to share with everyone. One fan said, “How can anyone not love this team.” Another fan said, “I’ve now watched this clip approximately eleventy billion times.” Embiid was in tears while his teammates surrounded him in happiness. Harden was the first to notice the emotions overflowing as he was in that position a few seasons ago.
Can the 76ers win against the Celtics without MVP Joel Embiid?
The 76ers had a rather impressive first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets. Even though the latter lost its biggest players, Mikal Bridges and his team still managed to escape the play-in tournament. However, Philadelphia swept them in first-round and became the first time to advance into the semifinals in the East.
In Game 3 of the series, Joel Embiid sprained his right knee while going up against Cameron Johnson. He was ruled out in Game 4 and Harden closed out the series instead.
In hopes that he would return for Game 1 against the Boston Celtics, he remained ruled out. According to NBC Sports, the 2023 MVP will have to wear an ankle brace for protection from further damage. The Sixers still managed to win Game 1 with Harden leading the way. James scored 45 points with 6 assists in the game. Tyrese Maxey had 26 points added to the scoreboard.
“It’s just health-based. If he can play, he plays. If he can’t, he can’t.” He continued saying, “If it’s 50-50, we would probably err on the other side because we’ve done that all year. We’re not gonna take any chances. But if he’s ready, he’ll play,” said Head Coach Doc Rivers. Joel is listed as doubtful for Game 2. Updates on his progress are yet to be given but his recovery is certain.
