The Sixers have won four straight games and five of their last six, and a major part of their success has to do with Joel Embiid playing again like the MVP candidate we all know him to be.
Embiid is averaging 33.5 points on 55 percent shooting from the floor to go along with 11.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game during this stretch.
“I want to win,” Embiid told the media after a recent win over the Rockets. “Even based on the circumstances, I think we still have a chance we can beat anybody on any given night so I just want to do whatever is necessary every single night. Whether it’s to be the best offensive player, scorer, playmaker, best defensive player just protecting the rim.”
Embiid has been a monster offensively, but he’s also trying to be a force defensively, noting how important centers are to a team’s defense.
“Like I have always said, there’s a reason why Rudy (Gobert) has won so many Defensive Player of the Year (awards) because the center is the most important position on the defensive end,” Embiid added. “Whatever I’m asked of, that’s what I am going to do.”
Embiid Named Eastern Conference Player of the Month
Embiid was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month after showcasing his skills during December (his third career Player of the Month award).
If the big man stays healthy the rest of the way and the Sixers climb back up in the Eastern Conference standings, perhaps we can see Embiid’s name back in the MVP conversation later on this season.
