It’s February 2, 2023 and like every beginning of the month, the NBA distributes awards to honor the best players of the previous four weeks. In January, two racket monsters broke everything in their path: Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
Favorite to go for a third consecutive MVP title, Nikola Jokic started the year 2023 with a bang: 12 games played, statistics of 24 points – 11.6 rebounds – 11.3 assists – 1.2 steals on average, all at practically… 68% shooting success, including 54% from 3-pointers and almost 90% from the free-throw line. The Joker continues to push the limits of efficiency and versatility, not forgetting to guide his Denver team on the right path as Niko’s gang ended January with a record of 12 wins – 4 losses and a first place in the the Western Conference. In total, Jokic dropped 8 triple-doubles over the month and is now in the race to join Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook in the very closed circle of players who have completed a full season with an average triple-double. In short, a monster. The only downside is his failed duel against Joel Embiid last Saturday.
Precisely, let’s talk about this duel and the exceptional performance of Embiid. The Philadelphia franchise player – named player of the month in the Eastern Conference – outclassed Jokic by leaving a game with 47 points, 18 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. A symbolic performance of Joel’s great form in January, he who guided the Sixers to an excellent record of 11 wins – 3 losses while turning 35 points – 11 rebounds – 3 assists – 1.6 against – 1 average interception. Hello steamroller. Author of 8 performances with at least 30 pawns in 9 outings, Embiid has seriously returned to the race for the MVP, where he will try to threaten the supremacy of the Joker.
Western nominees include Anthony Edwards (Wolves), De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis (Kings), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), LeBron James (Lakers), Kawhi Leonard (Clippers), Damian Lillard (Blazers) and Lauri Markkanen (Jazz). On the Eastern side: mention for Bam Adebayo (Heat), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Darius Garland (Cavaliers), Kyrie Irving (Nets) and Jayson Tatum (Celtics).
Source texte : NBA
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Month, respectively, for games played in January. pic.twitter.com/IcSeFvxVmM
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 2, 2023
