Can Joel Embiid Put Up Another MVP Season Despite James Harden’s Trade Drama? – 3 Takeaways From 76ERS’ Demolition of Blazers

The Sixers are having a great start to the season. Though they lost to the Bucks in the season opener, they have won against the Raptors and continued the momentum against the Blazers. In their first game at home, they not only demolished the young Portland team but also reminded the NBA world that Joel Embiid is still the reigning MVP.

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If not for James Harden’s trade drama, the Sixers would have been bubbling with positivity. But that does not seem to bother Embiid, who looks poised for another MVP season.

3 takeaways from the Sixers’ performance.

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1. In James Harden‘s absence, Embiid lacks a superstar to share the scoring responsibility. Though he only scored 24 points in the first game against the Bucks, the MVP has amped up his production to 34 and 35 points against the Raptors and the Blazers. And if he continues on this trajectory, the Sixers will be better than their current 5th place in the Eastern Conference.

2. Joel Embiid has added a new wrinkle to his game. In the last 3 matches, he has averaged 7 assists per game. He had 6 assists against the Bucks, while 8 against the Raptors, and followed it up with 7 in today’s game. The MVP is taking up the part-time PG role too, and is emulating James Harden, who was the assist leader in the last season.

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3. Kelly Oubre Jr. had a fantastic opening game. Despite that, Nick Nurse is not starting him, and Kelly is slowing down on the scoring front. He had a 27-point game against the Bucks, 18 against the Raptors, and 12 against the Blazers. With every game, his shooting percentage has dwindled, with 30% being his latest. Kelly was considered Harden’s replacement of sorts, but his inconsistency, which has been his Achilles heel, seems to be creeping up again.

The MVP

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Though Joel Embiid won his MVP last season, many in the media still believe that Nikola Jokic was the true winner of that award. Jokic had been the MVP of the league twice and also had a terrific season last year. But Joel earned his first individual award because of his superlative performance. However, he could not replicate his success in the Postseason. While Jokic won his first title along with his Finals MVP award.

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Joel Embiid is already a household name in the city of brotherly love. But he has to win a title to legitimize his claim of being the greatest Sixer since Doctor J.

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Watch This Story: Staring Down the Barrel of $1.5 Million Blow, James Harden’s “Unexcused Absence” Is “Only the Beginning” in 76ers Drama, per Veteran Analyst

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