“I’m Playing Against Philadelphia”: Nikola Jokic Pours Water to the Joel Embiid Rivalry-Hype after Sour Loss vs 76ers

Joel Embiid-led Sixers defeated the headstrong Denver Nuggets 126-121 tonight. Both teams were evenly matched in terms of skill and talent. Embiid finished with a game-high score. Leading the list with 41 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds, he gave Nikola Jokic a run for his money.

The Nuggets were given a cold welcome in Philly. But that did not deter the team as they gave it their all against the fierce Philadelphia crowd. Talking to a reporter post-game, Jokic erased any doubts that may have arisen regarding the ‘Embiid-Jokic’ rivalry. He said, “I’m not playing against him, I’m playing against Philadelphia.”

He has a lot of respect for the dominant 76ers center. Their last matchup was in March 2023 and the Nuggets simply crushed them. Nikola Jokic had dropped a triple-douple on Philly. But we cannot let that matchup go without mentioning that Embiid was sidelined for this game.

Had the 2023 MVP been present, the crowd would have been treated to a king’s feast. As could be seen from the January 2023 head-to-head. While the “Joker” led Denver with 24 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, Joel put up 47 points and 18 rebounds.

Even with such intense games between the two franchises, Jokic and Embiid are careful to keep it sporty and not take the losses personally. More specifically, they do not add fuel to the flames of their rivalry hype. With that said, tonight’s game was no less competitive.

Battle for the ages

The first game of the 2023-24 season, and the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ did not consider it necessary to extend that to the Nuggets. It could be that they were still unhappy from the last loss they sustained, but all of that vanished as the Sixers kept the Nuggets in check throughout the game, finally emerging as winners.

Read More: “You’re the Best Player in the League”: Joel Embiid on What He Whispered in Nikola Jokic’s Ear After 76ers’ 126-121 Win

Embiid led the scoreboard with 41 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris followed behind with 25 and 24 points, respectively. Tonight’s victory marks their third straight win. The team’s efficient shooting was on full display as the first half set the stage (66.7% from the field) for their consequent victory.

Nikola, for his part, finished with a double-double (25 points and 19 rebounds). Everyone on the team had scored in double digits. Michael Porter Jr. took second place with 20 points, while Jamal Murray also landed a double-double (17 points and 10 assists) for himself. Despite the Nuggets’ valiant efforts, the 76ers held on strongly to the end.

The Philly crowd is placated, the players go home after a well-played game, and the ‘Embiid-Jokic’ rivalry is put to rest.

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