Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Joel Embiid if he doesn't win MVP: 'I'll feel like they hate me'

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 4/4/22

In case you missed it on Sunday night, Joel Embiid went off. Again.

The towering Philadelphia 76ers center posted 44 points in Sunday's 112-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He added with 17 rebounds, five blocks, and three three-point shots. The last two players to eclipse 10 games in a season with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds won MVP, which should speak well for Embiid's own MVP campaign.

44 PTS, 17 REB, 5 BLK @JoelEmbiid WENT OFF for 44 points added 5 blocks to lead the @sixers to the road win! pic.twitter.com/yUoCajWcf7
— NBA (@NBA) April 4, 2022

But the five-time All-Star still doesn't sound convinced.

"If it happens, great," Embiid said Sunday, via ESPN. "If it doesn't, I don't know what I have to do. I'll feel like they hate me. I feel like the standard for guys in Philly or for me is different than everyone else."

Joel Embiid has 11 games with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds this season.

The only players with more in a season since the merger are Russell Westbrook (12 in 2016-17) and Moses Malone (12 in 1981-82).

Both won MVP that season. pic.twitter.com/OQ1KDVEc5k
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 4, 2022

It's understandable that Embiid is skeptical. He's neck-and-neck in the MVP race with 2020 winner Giannis Antetokounmpo and reigning champ Nikola Jokic -- who leads many polls as the regular season draws to a close.

Nevertheless, Embiid's dominance this season cannot be understated. His contributions are a huge reason Philly is playing well down the stretch and clinched a playoff spot with Sunday's win over Cleveland.

Now, it's just about waiting to see if that has been enough to give him MVP honors for the season.

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