Maybe Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers shouldn’t have been asked about losing the MVP race immediately after the Miami Heat easily beat him and his team.
But that’s what happened on Tuesday night.
Following a painful 120-85 loss to the Heat, the press inquired Embiid about how he feels losing the NBA MVP trophy to Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
Embiid: “I don’t know what else I have to do to win it. At this point, it’s whatever.” https://t.co/FLi2DaEurj
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 11, 2022
Embiid was direct and to the point – and maybe a bit upset.
Firstly, he congratulated the winner and said there was “no wrong answer” regarding who deserved the trophy.
Then he commented on not winning, saying, “I don’t know what else I have to do to win it. At this point, it’s whatever.”
Embiid just had the season of his career so you can understand his frustration.
Embiid In Control
Embiid stepped it up in every way this season.
His career average is 26 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists – all impressive numbers.
But in 2021-22, Embiid reached new highs of 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
Beyond his point totals, Embiid really came into his own as the leader of his team.
He looks much more comfortable being in control, making plays, and directing his squad.
A true team leader is like an extension of the coach and this year, for the first time, that’s what Embiid was.
However, the team still struggled at times.
Plus, it’s becoming obvious that even with Embiid at the helm and James Harden now on the roster, the team is still missing something.
They are currently on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs because of a dominant Heat team.
Embiid definitely wanted MVP but he wanted a Finals success more than anything.
It looks like he might not get either this year.
NEXT: Joel Embiid Still Has A Ways To Go Before He's A True MVP