The two favorites for the individual prize do not disappoint in the direct match, in which the Cameroonian scores 31 points and the Serbian takes the victory
They did not disappoint. The duel between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic offered everything that a challenge between the two favorites for the MVP has to offer: baskets, spells and games to leave you speechless. The Cameroonian finished with 34 points and 9 rebounds, the reigning mvp with 22, including the free of tranquility, 13 rebounds and 8 assists, some of which passes with pinpoint accuracy as if they were served by Tom Brady and not a boy 27 years old born in Sombor, Serbia and raised with a passion for horses. In the 114-110 with which Denver moves to Philadelphia in a game with a playoff flavor there is all their talent, their desire to be number 1. Even if in the end neither of them made the difference: it was the bench of the Nuggets, who in the fourth period put 29 of the 33 team points with rookie Bones Hyland unexpected protagonist
THE GRAND DUEL
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Embiid against Jokic is a show within a show, a duel at times even physical that always has the limelight on it. Joel is a machine for baskets: as he moves he manages to hit the center. Nikola is slower, more cynical: he studies the game, the way of doing badly, aware that he can decide the games not only personally, but also by inventing for his teammates. Because Jokic on the pitch sees things that very few others see. Embiid wins on the pitch for points, but it is the current mvp who wins “on points”: his vision of the game, his ability to involve his teammates, made the difference. Because Jokic doesn’t have a former MVP like James Harden next to him or one of the most intriguing up-and-coming ones like Tyrese Maxey: he has honest wingmen ready to work for him and take advantage of what he goes through.
THE KEYS
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There is much more than Embiid-Jokic in Denver’s win (41 won-28 lost to date) in Philadelphia. Malone’s team closes with 3 players over 20 and sends the best comeback of his season to the archive: at 3’54 ”from the interval they were 54-35 down. Thanks to Jokic if she didn’t sink, and to the character of a team that has learned to fight. And that without the bench, extraordinary in the fourth period, he would not have won. In addition to Jokic, providential Hyland with 12 of his 21 points in the fourth period, all from three, JaMychal Green is important, especially for the 8 rebounds and for the defense on Embiid. Among the good owners Will Barton, the most ready to help Jokic. Phila loses for the third time in the last four games: to help Harden insert, Doc Rivers has cut down the schemes and is paying off in the long run. Narna, who have grown at a distance, closes with 24 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists. Good Tyrese Maxey (19 points), sensational defense Matisse Thybulle (6 steals and 2 blocks), the weak link was once again Tobias Harris, 10 points with 4/9 shooting: more would be needed.
THE MATCH
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Embiid immediately grinds baskets (12 points in the first quarter) and Phila tries to escape reaching +19. Denver reacts and returns to the locker room under 58-53 with an open run of 10-0, then inspired by Jokic overtaking in the second half, even if Embiid (13 points in the third period) and Harden (12 with 5 assists) drag Philadelphia to 88 -81 of the third siren. Denver wants to fight and it shows, the bench starts to work miracles but the Sixers react and the fourth becomes a period to be framed. The Nuggets start the last minute ahead 112-108 after a magic basket by Jokic: Maxey shortens to 112-110 with 17 ”on the clock but Phila doesn’t score anymore.
Philadelphia: Embiid 34 (8/17 from two, 3/3 from three, 9/10 free throws), Harden 24, Maxey 19. Rebounds: Embiid 9, Harden 9. Assists: Harden 11.
Denver: Jokic 22 (7/13, 1/3, 5/7 tl), Hyland 21, Barton 20. Rebounds: Jokic 13. Assist: Jokic 8.
March 15, 2022 (change March 15, 2022 | 07:18)
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