Joel Embiid was recently announced as the MVP of the 2022-2023 season. The Cameroonian center had a great year, averaging 33 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists per game. However, The Process was sidelined with a minor injury and recently made his return in Game 2 against the Boston Celtics. A game that ended up being a blowout, with the 76ers losing 121-87, and one that brought up an interesting Playoff stat about Embiid.
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The Philadelphia 76ers were on a high after they managed to steal homecourt advantage from the second-seeded Celtics. And, with the return of Embiid, their confidence was through the roof. But, clearly sitting out for two games left Joel rusty.
He only managed a measly 15 points, and three rebounds in 27 minutes. Not exactly MVP-level numbers. In fact, this poor performance has revealed an interesting stat. One that shows that the injury-prone Kawhi Leonard has been a more effective scorer than Embiid.
Kawhi Leonard has more field goals than Joel Embiid this postseason
There can be no denying that Joel Embiid is the MVP of the 2023 regular season. After two seasons of falling behind Nikola Jokic, the 76ers superstar finally won the award. A wonderful moment to say the least.
Unfortunately, he has not translated this MVP-level form to the Playoffs. He is currently averaging 19 points, nine rebounds, and three assists this postseason. A far cry from the numbers he put up during his MVP run. And, things didn’t improve when he made his return from injury in a blowout loss to the Boston Celtics.
In fact, his performance has brought to light an interesting stat. In the four games, Embiid has played in the 2023 postseason, he has played 134 minutes and only made 22 field goals. A disaster when compared to Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who only played two games, approximately 80 minutes, and has made 24 field goals.
Safe to say, Joel’s Playoff performances have left something to be desired. But, The Process still has at least another three games to prove himself. Hopefully, he rises to the occasion and shows the Boston Celtics why exactly he is the MVP.
Embiid will need to start showing up if the 76ers stand any chance of making it to the Finals
After their resounding sweep of the Brooklyn Nets, many had the 76ers as the favorites to win it all. But, after a 34-point loss to the Celtics, everything is up in the air. One thing is for certain, Joel Embiid needs to show up for Philly to actually progress in this competition.
With the series now at one apiece, the Sixers will be looking to take a resounding 3-1 lead at the Wells Fargo Center.
It all rests on his shoulders. Only Embiid can make this MVP season that much sweeter, by ending it with a Championship ring on his finger. But, in order to do that, the Boston Celtics need to be dismantled first.
