Joel Embiid: I showed why I should be Defensive Player of the Year vs. Bucks

The Sixers brought the intensity of a playoff basketball game earlier Wednesday as the team took down the conference-leading Bucks. Joel Embiid led the charge on the defensive end where the team had a clear game plan to shut down Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“The whole season I’ve been humble, but I want to be Defensive Player of the Year, and I feel like tonight showed it,” Embiid said after the win, via Torrey Hart of Yahoo Sports.

Embiid had a day against the Bucks. He had 31 points on 11 of 21 shooting. He also had 11 rebounds (including nine defensive rebounds), three assists and two blocks. He also went 6-of-6 at the free-throw line.

The center has only missed six games this season after several seasons of spotty availability. Embiid could finally be on his way to taking home some regular-season hardware. 

Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:

• There’s some optimism that Matisse Thybulle could return in roughly two weeks, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. The rookie is expected to miss two to four weeks with a sprained knee.
• The Nets‘ season has been filled with injury, and coach Kenny Atkinson is happy with how the team has rallied. However, he knows a tough stretch is coming, as Brian Lewis of the New York Post relays. “It’s good. I’m pleasantly surprised [with the record],” coach Atkinson said. “It seems like when we have a guy down, someone steps up and the group comes closer together. … We’re going to have to see with this group if we can continue, and the schedule gets harder."
• The Nets might be dwelling in the Eastern Conference’s cellar if it weren’t for Spencer Dinwiddie being so good this season. While Atkinson is thankful for the Dinwiddie’s contributions, he believes the guard can still improve, particularly with finishing at the rim, as Brian Lewis of the New York Post passes along.