Joel Embiid claims MVP rival Nikola Jokic is ‘the best in the league’, despite the Sixers star dropping 41 points in duel with the reigning NBA champions

After defeating Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic on Tuesday night in a battle of MVP candidates, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid had high praise for his counterpart.

After the 76ers’ 126-121 win over Dallas, Embiid revealed to reporters that he told Jokic the Nuggets big man was “the best player in the league” as he pulled him in for a hug.

“It’s funny because on Twitter there’s a war going on between Philly fans and Denver fans,” Embiid added.

“It’s funny because we’re both like, who cares? We want to play basketball and win some games. But he deserves (the praise).

“Until you take him down, that’s the best in the league. He is the finals MVP. Until you take that away, he can claim that. But I also believe in myself.’

Embiid finished the night with 41 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in the win

Jokic finished the night with 25 points and 19 rebounds, including 11 rebounds on offense

Embiid finished the night with 41 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds as he led Philadelphia to victory, while Jokic finished the night with 25 points and 19 rebounds. 11 of Jokic’s rebounding play on the offensive end of the floor.

Although Embiid won the battle on Tuesday night and won last season’s MVP award, Jokic does have the NBA Finals MVP and a championship ring from last season.

Embiid is doing his best to chase him down and earn a championship ring of his own.

Embiid gained the upper hand over Jokic late, buoyed by a three-point play that extended the Sixers’ lead. Embiid was fouled with a bucket and chopped in the groin as fans celebrated.

He made the free throw for a 118-113 lead. Embiid followed with a three-pointer for an eight-point lead and showed the Sixers are as good as any team when healthy, even against the NBA champions.

Embiid gave the Sixers a scare when he fouled Michael Porter Jr. on a three-point attempt with 26.6 seconds left. Porter hit the three free throws that brought the Nuggets within four points. Time simply ran out during a comeback.

“I’m not playing against him, I’m playing against Philadelphia,” Jokic said. ‘It was a good match.’

Jokic won back-to-back NBA MVP awards and was beaten out for the honor by Embiid last season. Embiid, a two-time defending scoring champion, once again leads the league in scoring. Jokic averaged 25.5 points and kept Denver rolling with one of the best records in the NBA.

Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris also had strong games for the 76ers in the win over Denver

Embiid had his 18th straight game with 30 points, tying Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor for the sixth-longest streak in NBA history.

Embiid scored 23 points and the 76ers shot 67 percent from the floor. Jokic had 15 and Denver shot 58 percent in the half. The teams combined for 17 3s and both shot over 53% in a half with a frenetic video game feel.

“This is my first time with this team against these guys,” 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said. ‘Where do we stand compared to these guys? What does it look like up close? I hope we can get something out of that.’

Tyrese Maxey scored 25 points and Tobias Harris had 24 for the Sixers.