76ers' Joel Embiid solidifies MVP case with historic streak
Joel Embiid is rounding out his MVP-caliber season in historic fashion.
In a commanding win over the Indiana Pacers Saturday night, Embiid became the first player in 76ers history to score 30+ points in nine consecutive game, breaking a record previously held by Philadelphia legends Allen Iverson and Wilt Chamberlain.
The 29-year-old has been nothing short of unstoppable this season. After claiming the scoring title last year, Embiid once again leads the league in points per game (33.5) and 30+ point performances (41), according to StatMuse. The big man is also averaging 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 54.6 percent from the field, 35.5 percent from three and 85.5 percent from the line.
Embiid's dominant stretch surged him past Nuggets' Nikola Jokic and Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo as frontrunner in the NBA's latest MVP ladder on Friday.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle agreed with the ranking after facing Embiid's wrath.
"Giannis is crazy ridiculous. Jokic is same. And this guy may be even more difficult," Carlisle said postgame.
But Embiid's success hasn't simply been personal. The 76ers (48-22) rank second in the competitive East and are on an eight-game win streak.
With the MVP title and sixth-consecutive playoff berth on the line, Embiid and the 76ers look to continue their paired success in a home matchup against the Chicago Bulls Monday night.
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