Sixers superstar Joel Embiid had a vengeful 40-point performance to defeat Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semis.
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The Philadelphia 76ers had a tremendous regular season this year. After being swept in last year’s playoffs, the Sixers started the 2020-2021 campaign with much more hunger. Most of the team’s success can be credited to the MVP-level of performance by big man Joel Embiid.
The Cameroonian averaged an outstanding 28.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 blocks per game, and led his team to an Eastern Conference-best 49-23 record.
Obviously, Embiid was in MVP conversations and was also named as one of the finalists for the prestigious honours, alongside Warriors’ Stephen Curry and Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic.
On Tuesday night, JoJo erupted for a 40-point and 13-rebounds double-double performance, in a 118-102 win over Atlanta Hawks. The 7-foot Philly superstar had an impressive performance and also finished with a +/- of 14.
“Joel Embiid didn’t win the MVP, and played like he was pissed”: Draymond Green
Just like many others, Draymond Green too, knows what fuelled Embiid to have such a destructive game. It’s actually not that tough to notice. Just hours before the tip-off, the league announced Jokic as the 2021 MVP. Clearly, Joel took it personally and unfortunately, the Hawks were on the receiving end of it. Draymond took it to Twitter and explained:
“Joel pissed they didn’t vote him for MVP. Showed it tonight! Carried his troops!”
Joel pissed they didn’t vote him for MVP. Showed it tonight! Carried his troops!
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) June 9, 2021
Anyone who would be in the 27-year-old’s shoes right now would probably feel the same thing as him – cheated. Of course, immediately after the Game 2 win, Embiid vented his frustrations. JoJo said:
“It’s disappointing because as a player you work hard for moments like this. But then again, it’s out of my control. There’s nothing I can do about it. I just gotta come out every year and just be ready to do my job.”
Also Read: Shaquille O’Neal congratulates Nuggets superstar on his first-ever MVP win
However, this is the case every year. The other two finalists will definitely feel snubbed. Fortunately for Joel, his team is still in the championship contention. Instead of crying over spilt milk, he should use this as a motivating factor to make a championship push.
As the Eastern Conference Semis is now tied 1-1, the Philadelphia team will fly down to Atlanta and try grabbing as many wins as they can, on the road. Definitely, the Sixers are not only the favourites to win this series but also are legit title contenders.
