Joel Embiid Took Over in Final Minutes vs. Nuggets, and Left NBA Fans in Awe

The reigning MVP put on a show in a marquee duel against Nikola Jokić on Tuesday night.

A marquee matchup in prime time set the stage for another incredible performance by Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid on Tuesday as the reigning NBA MVP put on a clinic at home.

Embiid’s 76ers entered the night looking to make a statement against Nikola Jokić‘ and the NBA champion Denver Nuggets, a showdown that saw two of the NBA’s premier big men dominate from start to finish.

In the end, however, it was Embiid who stood tall with his 18th straight 30-plus point game as he finished with 41 points. seven rebounds, 10 assists. Meanwhile, two-time MVP Jokić tallied 25 points and a game-high 19 rebounds.

Embiid’s most dazzling run of the night came in the fourth quarter when the six-time All-Star left NBA fans in awe with multiple big plays, including a smooth euro-step layup around Jokić and a pivotal and-1 complete with his signature, WWE-inspired crotch chop.

EMBIID EUROSTEPS AROUND JOKIC! 😮

That caps a 10-2 run for the Sixers in the 4th quarter! pic.twitter.com/nUu2bcC6hn

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 17, 2024

the mid-range J +1 https://t.co/GmVCUXSRx1 pic.twitter.com/74tUk6AMkZ

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 17, 2024

Joel Embiid hits the jumper and a crotch chop (and then another crotch chop)pic.twitter.com/lf5Ln06OwA

— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) January 17, 2024

With all of the NBA buzzing over the Sixers-Nuggets matchup, Embiid, expectedly, became a hot topic all over social media after besting Jokić and Co. on the national stage:

Joel Embiid is such a showman and I love it pic.twitter.com/6rnuCsv7dI

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 17, 2024

Much needed and impressive Sixers win tonight w a 41-7-10 line from Joel Embiid vs Jokic. Nick Nurse is a really good coach. Maxey and Tobias have been tremendous w role players like PatBev, Nico, Oubre, Morris and others providing depth this season unlike we have had w Joel.

— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) January 17, 2024

18 consecutive 30-point games.

Unstoppable. https://t.co/wyWqdz4vtq

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 17, 2024

Embiid saw what the Eagles did last night and said “these damn people need me now more than ever.” Heroic.

— Jeff McDevitt (@JeffMcDev) January 17, 2024

EMBIID PROVING HE IS BETTER THAN JOKIC!!!

Giannis is the best player in the NBA argue with yourselves. Give me Giannis, AD or Embiid two way players who are ELITE on both ends of the court 😮‍💨😮‍💨

— Raquel 🫶🏾 (@SOULbeautifulme) January 17, 2024

41 PTS
10 AST
7 REB

JOEL EMBIID IS MAKING FOR DAMN SURE THE MVP TROPHY STAYS HOME pic.twitter.com/kojmXchxLy

— Life of a Philly Fan (@PhillyFanLife) January 17, 2024