The 76ers beat the Thunder 100-87 today.
Although Harden has been traded to the 76ers, he has no chance to play against his old club due to injuries. However, under Embiid's leadership, the 76ers still won a big victory. Embiid played 34 minutes today, shooting 8-of-25, including 1-of-7 from three-point range and 8-of-11 from the free throw line, with 25 points, 19 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 blocks, becoming the third player in 76ers history to have multiple career players to have 25 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks, after only Moses Malone and Barkley had done it.
Maxi also performed well today, playing 32 minutes, 9-of-14 shooting with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Harris played 36 minutes and shot 7-of-16, including 2-of-3 three-pointers and 1-of-1 from the free throw line, for 17 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks.
On the Thunder side, Bezley played 33 minutes, shooting 5-of-10, including 2-of-4 three-pointers and 2-of-2 free throws, with 14 points and 15 rebounds, and 15 rebounds set a new season high. Favors played 28 minutes and shot 8-of-13, including 0-of-2 from three-point range, for 16 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.
Although Embiid didn't get a double-20 figure today, he just got 25 points, which allowed him to reach 22 games in a row of 25+ games, continuing to set a new personal record, and getting closer and closer to the all-time record held by Iverson (27 consecutive games). However, Embiid's scoring may be affected after Harden joins, so it is difficult to say whether he can break Iverson's record.
It is worth mentioning that Embiid can currently average 29.3 points per game, ranking first in the league, and he is also at the top of the MVP list. That said, Embiid is expected to be both a leading scorer and an MVP this season, and his new teammate Harden has already achieved this feat before, so can Harden help Embiid achieve this feat as well?
Harden's arrival will undoubtedly enhance the strength of the 76ers, so the 76ers' next record should be better, and it is likely to become the first in the East. As a result, Embiid will have a record advantage in the MVP competition, especially compared to Jokic, the Nuggets' record this season is not very good.
So, Harden's arrival will increase Embiid's chances of getting the MVP. However, Harden will also take some of the ball and shots, which will inevitably have an impact on Embiid's personal performance, and Embiid may not be able to play the same strong performance as before, and there is no need to carry the team on his shoulders. As a result, Embiid's average score per game is likely to drop and he will not be able to win the leading score.
However, as long as he can get the MVP, Embiid is successful enough, and it doesn't matter if he can get the scoring king. Most importantly, after winning the MVP, Embiid and Harden also joined forces to attack the championship.