THE NBA MVP race has been hot all season long with the battle of the big men. Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have dominated this season and are the frontrunners for the award. However, Sixers center Embiid just made his case stronger by becoming the scoring champion. This is the first time since Shaquille O’Neal that a center has won the scoring race. Likewise, fans were left in awe of Embiid as they took to Twitter to shower him with praise.
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Back in 1999, Shaquille O’Neal was the single most dominant force in the NBA. On the Lakers, he and Kobe Bryant were on a roll. The Big Diesel had one of his best seasons becoming the MVP that season. Shaquille O’Neal up ridiculous numbers averaging 29.7 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists as well as 3 blocks per game. He even won his first championship to go with the finals MVP that season. Now, after two long decades, Joel Embiid has repeated the feat.
Bringing the glory back to NBA’s bigs, Embiid won a competitive scoring title race this season and had the fans going crazy.
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Joel Embiid brings emulates Shaquille O’Neal by winning the scoring title
Joel Embiid has had a historic season for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. Playing a good part of the season without any significant help, Embiid has led Philly to the 4th seed in a tough Eastern Conference. Averaging 30.6 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists, the Sixers big man edged out LeBron James to take the scoring title this season. And fans went crazy on Twitter as he is the first big man since Shaquille O’Neal to have this feat.
and people think giannis is mvp
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid wins the 2021-22 NBA scoring title, the first center to lead the league in scoring since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000.
THAT IS MY MVP!! @joelembiid so proud of you
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid wins the 2021-22 NBA scoring title, the first center to lead the league in scoring since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000.
And he better win MVP 🙄
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid wins the 2021-22 NBA scoring title, the first center to lead the league in scoring since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000.
Tremendous season of bucket-getting, man
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid wins the 2021-22 NBA scoring title, the first center to lead the league in scoring since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000.
mission accomplished. congrats big man. @JoelEmbiid
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid wins the 2021-22 NBA scoring title, the first center to lead the league in scoring since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000.
G O A T ! will never see dominance from a center like this in a long time ! enjoy greatness ! I am
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid wins the 2021-22 NBA scoring title, the first center to lead the league in scoring since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000.
Congrats @JoelEmbiid! Now let’s get a 🏆!!
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid wins the 2021-22 NBA scoring title, the first center to lead the league in scoring since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000.
Embiid was behind in the race for the scoring title as LeBron was just ahead. With that running through his mind, Embiid brought out his bets in his last five games. The Sixers center put up unreal numbers over the span to get the lead in the scoring race. Going off for 37 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists in his last 5 games, Embiid is gearing up well for the NBA playoffs. In addition, he did it while shooting nearly 60% from the field and 44% from three.
With the scoring title in his name, the MVP race is not as close as it gets. With the regular season all done and dusted, Nikola Jokic, Embiid, and Giannis stand atop the ladder at the moment. Each big man has an edge over their rivals. Giannis and Embiid have both had career seasons when it comes to their offensive side. However, Jokic made history by becoming the first player ever to 2000 points, 1000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a single season.
With the competition so cutthroat, the voters are going to have a hard time deciding the winner in the MVP race. Who do you think deserves to win MVP? Let us know in the comments below.