76ers' Joel Embiid wins 2021-22 NBA scoring title

The Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid secured the NBA scoring title for the 2021-22 season Sunday, making him the first center to lead the league in points per game since Shaquille O'Neal in the 1999-2000 season.

Embiid, 28, is averaging 30.6 points per game this season with 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 blocks. On Saturday, Embiid scored 41 points in a win against the Indiana Pacers -- his 13th 40-point game of the season -- to all but guarantee that he couldn't be caught. The only player mathematically in striking distance was Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the Milwaukee Bucks star would've needed to outscore Embiid by at least 47 on Sunday to earn the title.

Antetokounmpo, who's averaging 29.9 points, was doubtful to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but was downgraded to out on Sunday, officially ending the race.

The Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James also wasn't far behind with 30.3 points per game, but he played in only 56 games this season, two short of the amount needed to make him eligible to win the scoring title.

Embiid, Antetokounmpo, and the Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic are the favorites in what's expected to be a razor tight race to be named NBA MVP.

Philadelphia's season will come to a close Sunday with a road game against the Detroit Pistons.