Shake Milton

Lauren Rosen

Named MVP Finalist for the third straight year, with back-to-back scoring titles in tow, Joel Embiid has finally earned his first NBA Most Valuable Player award.

For the team as a unit, the 2022-23 season has always been, and continues to be, a “We Season.”

In their own words, here’s what Embiid has meant to that collective “we”:

“Joel has just been dominant. He came into training camp extremely focused. I think it’s the most focused, in my last three years, that I’ve seen him - and that’s saying something, because he’s had career years every year that I’ve been here. He’s stepped it up a notch. This year just seemed different. He’s extremely focused. And his leadership went to another level. I’ve always talked about what he’s done for me, and for a lot of different guys, as far as drawing in the defense, getting better at passing out of double teams, making his teammates better. He’s just been dominant - defensively, offensively, and leadership-wise.”

“I think what separates Joel is his ability to protect the rim on defense, and switch in real-life situations in the game, keep guys in front, and make them take tough shots. When he’s locked in on defense, he’s just that much better. And then his dominance on offense, literally being able to destroy everybody all year, I think it’s an easy decision. He’s the MVP for sure.&nbsp;

You just haven’t seen a big be able to dominate the way that he does, really shooting the ball - where it’s not back to the basket, it’s facing the basket. Really demanding a double every play. There just hasn’t been bigs like that in a long time. He’s one of one.

“I don’t think he necessarily did anything drastically different - I just think there’s more recognition towards his deserving of the award. As someone who’s been with [Joel for four years], to see the progression in his game, to see the progression in his leadership, and to see how hungry he is to win, and do whatever it takes to embrace all his teammates, I think that speaks volumes. He’s super deserving of it. I’m proud, I’m happy.

His game has just evolved, being an offensive specimen out there - somebody who can pick apart other teams’ defenses. He’s changed his game in a way that he’s become more and more unguardable, year after year offensively. And then on the defensive end as well - just doing amazing things to help the whole group.

“When I think about this award, I think about all the different things that MVP means. It doesn’t mean that you’re just great. It means that you’re great amongst all the great players that play in the NBA. That’s pretty special. It doesn’t just mean scoring the basketball. Obviously you have to do that, but you have to do so many more things. You have to rebound, you have to play defense, you have to be a great teammate, you have to make your teammates better, you have to work on your game, you have to be coachable, and you have to win. [Joel] is doing all those things for us.”

“Joel is the MVP because he’s a professional, first and foremost, how he carries himself. He doesn’t say too much, comes in, gets his work. In the game, he’s totally different. Joel is a monster. Unstoppable. 7-something, big dude, you can’t stop him. And he’s got a midrange game - what big guy can shoot the middy like that? And threes? And he can handle the ball? I don’t know.”

“The way he came out and just dominated. His style of play - he can score from the perimeter, he can catch on the elbow, shoot over defenders - even when he catches it on the block, he can just bruise, and get layups after layups. His ability to score at a high rate is really special at his size, too.”

“I mean everything. Everything is different for Joel. I’ve seen him grow as a player, as a man, as a human, and now he’s winning MVP, finally. He deserves it. I’m really happy for him, to see this growth. I’ve spent six years with him, so it means a lot also for me. I’m super, super happy about it. Congrats, Joel. He’s changed a lot. He talks more, and we can discover him more. He’s changed a lot, on the court and off the court.”

“He’s second to none. He’s one of one. And he continues to get better. We’re all finally witnessing Joel Embiid - who I think everybody thought he could potentially be, some years ago.”

“Welcome to the club, well-deserved. I’m so proud, [he] had a hell of a year. Should’ve gotten it last year too.”

“Man, it’s crazy. I feel like I’ve seen Joel perform at an MVP level for at least the past three years now. To see his growth this year, especially when it comes to trusting us teammates, and then just seeing him put in the work day in and day out, showing up every game ready to compete. Above all else, he wants to win. And I think that’s what really separates him.”

“Joel’s shown pure dominance this year. It’s his second consecutive year of averaging 30 points, and continuing to lead us to wins. When you have a center, in this day and age, when centers aren’t really used like Joel is used, and he can do that on a night in, night out basis, and still find ways to be effective - he’s clearly the Most Valuable Player.”

“Joel is an absolute bucket getter. I think the whole league knows that. Just giving him the ball and letting him go to work, every play, he’s dominating, every game. That’s MVP worthy. Not only does he dominate the game on the offensive end. Something I admire about his game is he puts his life on the line. He’ll go and try to block somebody from dunking the ball, and not be scared to get dunked on - things like that, I admire, because I’m also a big. I’ll be like, ‘Dang. He’s got heart.’ I feel like that’s MVP-worthy stuff right there.”

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Our MVP: Joel Embiid, in the Words of the 2022-23 Philadelphia 76ers

Matt Murphy

In a special miniseries from the 76ers Insiders podcast ahead of the 2022-23 NBA playoffs, Sixers players joined the show to help you get to know them better before the journey begins.The in-depth interviews cover a variety of topics ranging from their own sports fandom to how they want their careers to be remembered. Listen to the full episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts for more subjects, such as dream dinner guests.

Below are some excerpts from the conversations:

P.J. Tucker: “My wife’s second wedding ring. I designed it and went through this whole thing – yeah, it was a big deal. The first one was really modest because I was young. I was 23 or 24, so it was nice, but it wasn’t great. So the second one – ten years later – was a big deal in designing it and the whole process. She was almost crying when I gave it to her, after we had already been married for a long time. That was pretty cool.”

Paul Reed: “I got my mom a house. I think that’s my greatest gift so far.”

Shake Milton: “Maybe just like a little piece of art that kind of is like an inside joke, or something like that. I feel like I would say that, yeah.”

Most memorable sporting event you’ve been to as a fan?

Tyrese Maxey: “Last summer, I went to watch the first round of Serena [Williams] at the US Open. That was my first time at a tennis match ever in my life. For it to be so inspirational that I come home and I start playing tennis, and was actually sitting on my couch at 2 a.m. watching the [semifinals] – women’s and men’s – that’s like second-to-none. That’s amazing. That it can change somebody like that. I had never watched a tennis match ever in my life. I go to hers and watch one first round of the US Open, and now I’m watching tennis and going to play tennis on off days with Shake Milton and [76ers skill development coaches] Tyler Lashbrook and Spencer Rivers. That’s really cool.”

Georges Niang: “My senior year of college, I signed with an agency that was in LA and I got to go to Kobe Bryant’s last game. It was poetic. I think he shot 70 shots and every time he got the ball in the second half, it was like a pickup game. It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.”

De’Anthony Melton: “It would have to be one of the USC [football] games. I remember first getting there, you get to do a little tailgate and they walk you through the school. I got to do that, walk through all of the students and stuff like that. Then go onto the field and see them dudes warm up. USC it’s like – it’s pros, so you’re seeing these dudes, they’re big, they’re ready. So it definitely had to be one of those USC games. Those were fun. Got to stand in the stands with the fans and students, do the cheers, all that.”

Reed: “I went to a WWE match recently and that was kinda lit, no cap. In Philly. I think that's the most memorable so far.”

Milton: “I remember when I was little, my pops used to take us to the Texas Longhorns games. So we went to one at Oklahoma State and in the second half, Vince Young came out and ran like 80 yards for a touchdown. That was really cool.”

What is something you think is misunderstood about you by the public?

Tucker: “I think, more times than not, they almost get everything wrong about me… I think I’ve done almost too good of a job of how I present my play and what I do on a night-in, night-out basis, rather than people really seeing the way I change the way I play based on who we play and what we need to be able to win.”

Maxey: “I’m a human being, so everybody struggles. Everybody goes through their moments, whether it’s behind closed doors or on the court. But, for the most part, this is who I am. I don’t smile because it’s fake. I smile because I really enjoy being out there, competing, and playing at the highest level. That’s fun to me.”

Melton: “I’m a quiet person until I really get to meet you. And then I’ll be joking a lot. Probably on the court, people don’t see me show as much emotion. I would probably say that. But I think most of the time [off the court], I’m laughing, joking, playing around.”

Milton: “That everybody thinks I’m just so quiet. Like, yeah I’m laid back and calm, but I feel like everybody in my circle be telling me to shut up more than anything else.”

When you retire, what do you want people to say about you?

Tucker: “I want [teammates] to say that I was the hardest working, most unselfish player they ever played with.”

Maxey: “When I retire, I would hope people would say Tyrese was somebody who outworked a lot of people, who earned everything that he got – all of the accolades he got in the league. There was nothing given to him. And that he somehow got one percent better, literally, every single day and found ways to reach the maximum level of his potential.”

Niang: “I’ll be serious for one time in my life. I think just [for] people to respect the hard work that I put in every single day. I may not have been the fastest, jumped the highest, but at the end of the day I came in and gave my all. Affected the game in a positive way and affected my teammates in a positive way. I think the biggest thing for me is I like to be a team guy, get along with everybody, and make sure the vibes are always up. De’Anthony can attest to this, I probably talk too damn much, but just someone that is always trying to bring energy. Came in and did his job to the best of his ability…and a 3-point sniper.”

Melton: “Man, that he was a real one. He got it done. Nah, I’m playing. Somebody that worked. He ain’t have nothing handed to him. I had to go get everything and I did it my way. I didn’t have to change up or nothing like that. The same person from the time I got into the league until the time I leave.”

Reed: “I want people to say that he is one of the best players to ever play the game. I want people to say that he is a great human being off the court, as well as on the court. One of them dudes that just gives back to his community and really changes people’s lives.”

Danuel House Jr.: “That this guy gave us more life than you can ever imagine. That whatever you think or say about him doesn't really matter because I know the real him.”

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How The 2022-23 Sixers Want to Be Remembered: 76ers Insiders Interviews

Shannon Klaij

Shake Milton records a career high 16 assists in the game vs. Atlanta Hawks on April 7, 2023.

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Shake Milton 16 Assists vs. Atlanta Hawks (Apr. 07, 2023)

The 76ers (26-16) are Los Angeles-bound, visiting the Lakers (19-23) Sunday, hunting a perfect back-to-back to start their five-game visit with the Western Conference.The trip began Saturday at Utah, as the Sixers took a 118-117 win over the Jazz (22-24) in a game that came down to the final seconds.Tobias Harris (left knee soreness) was out Saturday in Utah. The Sixers opened with a starting lineup featuring James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, P.J. Tucker, and Joel Embiid, and started hot, taking a 41-24 advantage in the first quarter.The Jazz chipped away at that deficit and led by one late, leading to a series of traded makes as the clock wound down.Embiid’s jumper with 5.7 seconds remaining in regulation ultimately became the Sixers’ game-winner, after a fantastic final frame from Harden, who scored 18 of his team-high 31 points in the fourth quarter alone.“We needed scoring, and James did it,” Doc Rivers said of Harden’s strong finish. “He made big play after big play for us.”The Lakers will be somewhat well-rested as they host the Sixers, most recently playing Thursday versus Dallas (a 119-115 double overtime loss).Russell Westbrook has led the Lakers in scoring this week, scoring 25 points Monday versus Denver and 28 points Thursday versus Dallas. LeBron James notched a 24-point, 16-rebound double-double Thursday, finishing a single assist shy of a triple-double.James is probable for Sunday’s matchup (left ankles soreness), while Patrick Beverley is questionable (non-COVID illness), and Anthony Davis (right foot stress injury), Austin Reaves (left hamstring strain), and Lonnie Walker IV (left knee tendinitis) are out.In the last meeting between the Sixers and Lakers on Dec. 9 in Philadelphia, the Sixers took a 133-122 overtime victory, led by Embiid’s 38-point, 12-rebound double-double.Following their meeting with the Lakers, the Sixers will stay in Los Angeles for a Tuesday date with the LA Clippers (22-22), before visiting the Portland Trail Blazers (20-22) Thursday and Sacramento Kings (23-18) Saturday.

Sunday’s matchup is a 9:30 p.m. ET start.

Follow Along:Watch: NBA TV / NBC Sports PhiladelphiaListen: 97.5 The Fanatic

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Versus Lakers, 76ers Begin Los Angeles Stay | Gameday Report 43/82

Following a four-game road trip, the 76ers (21-14) return home for a trio of games to tip off the 2023 portion of their schedule. First up is a Monday night rematch against the New Orleans Pelicans (23-13), after the teams met on Friday in New Orleans – an 11-point win for the Pelicans. Both teams are 7-9 away from home so far this season.Tyrese Maxey returned to action for the Sixers in the first meeting with New Orleans, coming off the bench to log 19 minutes after an 18-game absence due to a fracture in his foot. Joel Embiid put up 37 points in the loss, while the Pelicans got a game-high 42 points – including a franchise-record 11 three-pointers – from Lehigh product CJ McCollum. Zion Williamson added 36 points.The overnight injury report did not include any Sixers. On the other side, Brandon Ingram (left great toe contusion), E.J. Liddell (right knee ACL injury recovery), and Larry Nance Jr. (neck spasm) remain out.The Sixers won their New Year’s Eve contest, 115-96, at Oklahoma City, while the Pelicans dropped theirs, 116-101, at Memphis. An Embiid triple-double highlighted the former and 2021-22 All-Rookie Team selection Herb Jones (team-high 11 rebounds and three steals) returned to the floor in the latter.“Early in the game, we had it rolling from the perimeter,” Tobias Harris said postgame. “That allowed the lane to really open up for all of us... Just being able to get downhill and create plays. I thought our activity offensively was huge. We knew, defensively, that's where it was at. First quarter, to be able to hold them to 20 points – if we're able to do that and shoot the ball well and score, that's a really good formula to win a game.”This next matchup features two of the NBA’s top teams in net rating, which measures a team’s point differential per 100 possessions: No. 3 New Orleans (4.8) and No. 5 Philadelphia (4.0).

The Indiana Pacers are scheduled to visit the Sixers on Wednesday and the Chicago Bulls will follow on Friday.

Monday is a 7 p.m. start in South Philadelphia.

Quote to Note:Shake Milton on Tobias Harris' standout night and perfect first half in OKC:“Tobias is great. He’s the ultimate pro. Seeing the way he works day in and day out, it’s motivational.”

Follow Along Monday:Watch: NBC Sports PhiladelphiaListen: 97.5 The Fanatic

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76ers Host New Orleans Pelicans in Rematch | Gameday Report 36/82

The rolling 76ers (19-12) will seek their eighth consecutive victory on Christmas Day, visiting the New York Knicks (18-15) at Madison Square Garden, opening the NBA’s illustrious Christmas Day slate.It’s an honor never lost on the players featured.“Everybody watches on Christmas, so it does mean a lot,” Tobias Harris said following the Sixers’ 119-114 victory over the LA Clippers Friday night. “For all of us, everybody dreams of playing in the NBA, so to be able to play on Christmas - two teams that are playing great basketball right now, it’s going to be a great game. We’re excited for the matchup.”The Sixers visit New York City on the heels of a season-long seven-game homestand, and riding a subsequent season-high seven-game winning streak.The Knicks, on the other hand, have dropped their last two - but had won their previous eight games in a row.Julius Randle leads the Knicks in scoring and rebounding this season, averaging 22.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson each also average 20-plus points per game (20.4 and 20.1, subsequently), and New York newcomer Brunson leads the team in assists (6.4 apg) and steals (1.1).The Knicks took their first meeting with the Sixers on Nov. 4, a narrow 106-104 victory in Philadelphia.Brunson led the way for New York in that win, scoring 22 points and nine rebounds. Tyrese Maxey was the shorthanded Sixers’ (Joel Embiid and James Harden did not play) leading scorer, finishing with 31 points, three rebounds, and seven assists. Harris tallied 23 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.The rematch between the teams, however, will look different - with both teams surging, and facing off under the brightest of lights.“When we saw the schedule early on, to see that we have a Christmas game, that means a lot to our group,” Harris said.

Sunday’s matchup is a 12:00 p.m. ET tip.

Quote to Note:Milton on what made Harden’s historic night possible:“You know he's just a talented offensive player so you know he's either going to get a position to where he can score or he's gonna look for his teammates. You know if he's driving the slot, let's say, if you're in the corner there's a pretty good chance you could get the ball. It's just about spacing and really knowing basketball. [James Harden] is so unselfish and he does a good job of just orchestrating the offense that the ball is always flying around.”

Follow Along:Watch: ABC / ESPNListen: 97.5 The Fanatic

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76ers Visit New York Knicks for Christmas Day Matchup | Gameday Report 32/82

Winners of four consecutive home games, the 76ers (16-12) host the Toronto Raptors (13-17) for their next game on Monday night.&nbsp;The Sixers have won seven of their last 10 games, and are 10-1 in their last 11 home contests. Since the 2018-19 season, the Sixers have the second-best winning percentage at home at .745 (126-43), per Stathead. The Raptors, meanwhile, have dropped five straight games and hold a 3-12 road record this season.Monday will be the second half of a home-road back-to-back for Toronto, after losing to the Sixers’ previous opponent, Golden State, by 16 at home on Sunday night. The Sixers defeated the Warriors on Friday, 118-106, behind 61 combined points from Joel Embiid (34) and James Harden (27).Precious Achiuwa (ankle), O.G. Anunoby (hip), Otto Porter Jr. (toe), and Gary Trent Jr. (quad) all missed Sunday’s game for the Raptors. Pascal Siakam had 27 points and Fred VanVleet added 22 points during a loss that saw Golden State’s Jordan Poole put up a career-high 43 points.Tyrese Maxey (foot) remains out for the Sixers, while Furkan Korkmaz (non-COVID illness) was listed as questionable on the injury report entering gameday morning. Tobias Harris, who missed the last game due to back pain, was not listed.

Embiid currently leads the NBA in scoring at 33.3 points per game, on top of 9.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals. Harden averages 22.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 10.6 assists.“James is an elite passer,” 76ers Head Coach Doc Rivers said postgame on Friday. “[Everyone] forgets how good James is sometimes. We want him to be a facilitator and scorer, more of both here. We forget this guy is one of the greatest players to ever play. And to do that with the ball, he’s had to be a great passer and he's doing that. And now he's in a role of doing that, and he's actually enjoying it. It’s pretty cool.”

The Sixers currently rank third in the NBA in 3-point percentage (.387), while the Raptors sit near the bottom of the league (No. 28) at 32.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc.It will be the third meeting of the season between the two teams, with each taking a game in Toronto in October. Maxey scored a career-high 44 points with nine 3-pointers in the Sixers’ win on Oct. 28.With the Sixers on this four-game winning streak, Danuel House Jr. spoke about team chemistry following practice on Sunday:“That brotherly support,” House Jr. said. “We're all doing a good job of leaning on one another and helping one another... It's just about teamwork. We're here to make each other better. It's more than basketball. That's my brother. It's off the court, too. We sit down and meditate – everyone on the team. We're close as a group. It's only going to get better. Like I said, it's a gumbo pot. The longer you let the season sit, the better the gumbo hit.”

Monday is a 7:00 p.m. ET start in South Philadelphia.

Quote to Note:Georges Niang on the support the team receives from Tyrese Maxey, who has been out with a foot injury since mid-November:“He gets his work in two hours before practice so that he can sit and watch practice. And I think that just speaks volumes to who he is and what he stands for, that he doesn't want to miss anything that involves the team. He's going to do his conditioning and work before practice so that he can be with us during practice so he doesn't really miss a beat on anything, which is going to be huge.”

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Hosting Raptors, 76ers Go for Five Straight | Gameday Report 29/82

The Philadelphia 76ers have won consecutive home games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets, and now they welcome the Sacramento Kings for the third of seven straight at The Center. The Sixers enter the game with a 14-12 record, while the Kings are currently 14-11.On Monday afternoon, Joel Embiid earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors for the second time this season and ninth time in his career. Notable statistics from the three games that factored in were Embiid’s 43.3 points per game, 10.3 rebounds per game, and .639 field-goal percentage.The Sixers’ injury report on Monday evening included Danuel House Jr. (probable - left foot laceration) and Tyrese Maxey (out - left foot fracture). Sacramento listed De’Aaron Fox (right foot soreness) as questionable and Alex Len (non-COVID illness) as out. Fox, the leading scorer for the visitors averaging 22.8 points per game, missed their previous two contests.&nbsp;The Kings fell to the Knicks, 112-99, in New York on Sunday. Domantas Sabonis notched a double-double in defeat with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists.Sacramento ranks sixth in offensive rating, while the Sixers are fourth in defensive rating.

Embiid became the first player in the NBA this season to post multiple 50-point games by scoring 53 points against the Hornets on Sunday. Earlier this season, the league’s reigning scoring champ delivered a career-high 59 points against Utah.“We have a saying, ‘you’ve got to feed the hot hand,’” Embiid said postgame. “You have to keep feeding them until the defense stops them once, twice, or three times. I just kept scoring and they just kept giving me the ball.”

“He was in attack mode for the entire game,” James Harden said of Embiid. “He made scoring look easy. I mean he was just in attack mode getting to the basket, and his jumpers were falling. He just had an aggressive night tonight.”

Tuesday’s game is a 7 p.m. ET start in South Philadelphia.

Quote to Note:76ers Head Coach Doc Rivers on the performances from Embiid and the team in the win over the Hornets:“It's good. He was phenomenal. The team, just offensively, last two games – we [shot] 53% last game, 55% tonight… And, again, like we talked about before about pace – that was pace. We didn't run, we just played with pace. The ball kept moving, kept hitting open guys. De’Anthony Melton’s ability to make shots. James Harden was unbelievable tonight. He was the point guard, the facilitator, and the scorer all at the same time and that's exactly what we're talking about and that was phenomenal. Then Joel Embiid, he literally scored in every way that you can possibly score a basketball tonight. Even the last play was a slot drive and we do that drill everyday, but we do it for the guards. I don't think we've ever done it for the bigs. Maybe we have to add that now because that was terrific.”

Follow Along Tuesday:Watch: NBC Sports PhiladelphiaListen: 97.5 The Fanatic

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Embiid and 76ers Meet Kings, As Home Court Momentum Builds | Gameday Report 27/82

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