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Joel Embiid on Nikola Jokic: “It’s not a rivalry. I am a big fan”

Joel Embiid Nikola Jokic Nuggets Sixers

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Joel Embiid had nothing but good words to say about the two-time reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic after the Philadelphia 76ers’ home win over the Denver Nuggets (119-126).

Embiid, who addressed his All-Star starter snub, had 47 points, 18 rebounds and five assists to lead the Sixers back from a 15-point deficit in defeating the Nuggets and extending their winning streak to seven games.

Meanwhile, Jokic posted 24 points (8/12 shooting), eight boards and nine assists, but lost the battle with the fellow NBA MVP candidate.

Afterwards, Joel Embiid, who is averaging a league-leading 33.8 points, denied that this performance was a statement for the MVP award and had high praise for the Serbian superstar.

“I don’t (take it personally). It’s not a rivalry. I love the big fella. Two-time MVP, one of the best players in the league. He’s such a good player. I’m a big fan,” the superstar big man told Cassidy Hubbarth of ESPN.

Philadelphia has now won 12 of its last 14 games and is second in the East standings with a 32-16 record, 2.5 games behind the Celtics (36-15). Meanwhile, Denver fell to 34-16, but stayed on top of the West.

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