NBA MVP Ladder Week 22: Clash of titans at the top

4 of 6

PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 14: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with James Harden #1 against the Denver Nuggets at the Wells Fargo Center on March 14, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Nuggets defeated the 76ers 114-110, NBA MVP Ladder Week 22: Clash of the titans at the top. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Week 22 NBA MVP Ladder: 3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Rank last week: 3

Pts/Rebs/Asts/Stls/Blks: 29.9/11.3/4.3/1.1/1.5

FG%/3P%/FT%: 48.5/36.6/82.2

Off EPM / Def EPM: +6.0/+1.8

Joel Embiid is coming off a disappointing week that saw a total blowout in a highly-hyped game against the Brooklyn Nets, a difficult comeback victory against the feisty Orlando Magic, and a close loss to Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on the second night of a back-to-back.

Embiid himself played aggressively in those games but shot poorly. He seems to have adopted some of Harden’s worst free-throw hunting tendencies already, and although they’ve worked sometimes (he’s drawing a boatload of free throws), he’s also making shots more difficult for himself and absorbing even more contact than usual.

His defense has been a step below his high standards for much of the year. It feels as though he’s saving his best self for the playoffs, but he’s this close to an MVP trophy, and you’d love to see him go all out right now, particularly with his team fighting for a top seed.

Embiid still has a chance to have some statement games. Looming contests against Dallas, Miami, and especially Milwaukee will give him an opportunity to dominate against elite competition, something the media has typically valued at the end of the season.

Harden’s arrival hasn’t depressed Embiid’s statistics, which is a great sign. If they can recapture their early magic and make a strong run over the final fifteen games of the season, Embiid will have a chance to capture his coveted MVP trophy.