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Prime Time Matchup: Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets Set the Stage for an MVP Duel
NBAWednesday, 17 January 2024 at 04:20
On Tuesday night, a highly anticipated showdown unfolded between Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP from last season, and his Philadelphia 76ers, facing off against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, the two-time Most Valuable Player before Joel's accolade.
In the City of Brotherly Love, fans were treated to a thrilling contest as two of the league's top teams, each vying for supremacy in their respective Conferences, battled it out.
The Sixers, a team that underwent significant changes during the "Process" years, now appear to be finding their rhythm. Tyrese Maxey has been a standout this season, making a compelling case for the Most Improved Player award. His defensive hustle, playmaking abilities, and impressive shot creation have contributed significantly to the team's success.
Embiid continued to display his dominance, building on his stellar performance from the previous Monday, proving that he is not only back but also in excellent health. The Nuggets struggled to contain him, as he had already amassed 23 points by halftime.
The game unfolded at a frenetic pace, with both teams delivering noteworthy offensive performances, particularly from beyond the arc, surpassing the 50% mark in three-point shooting, and setting a new NBA record…at halftime score was an incredible 78-78.
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The parity seemed to break around the midway point of the third quarter, despite the continuous downpour of three-pointers. This is because one of the best players in the league currently plays for Denver. Jokic did what his team needed, in this case, grabbing numerous offensive rebounds against the opposing defense and creating second chances.
Sixers' coach, Nick Nurse, took note and adjusted the defensive matchups, drying up the Nuggets in rebounding and forcing them to take difficult shots in the final quarter.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, appeared unstoppable, showcasing a myriad of offensive skills and scoring from all angles. 41 points in a masterful display of talent. If he can stay healthy and maintain this level, it will be challenging to wrest the Most Valuable Player throne from him this year.
Solid victory for the Philadelphia 76ers, 126-121. Standouts for the home team were Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris, scoring 25 and 24 points, respectively.
In Denver, Jokic finished with 25 points and 19 rebounds, 11 of them on the offensive end. More contribution was needed from Jamal Murray, who only added 17 points.
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