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Photo: Joel Embiid (Instagram) Joel Embiid , star player for the Philadelphia 76ers, has faced issues due to injuries, but it's not just his team's success that's been affected.  A new NBA rule requiring players to play at least 65 games to qualify for major awards, like MVP, has hurt Embiid's chances for recognition. Retired NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas believes this rule has unfairly impacted Embiid's career. On his podcast, Arenas said that Embiid often outperforms Nikola Jokic , another top center in the league. "He lost his MVP because of a rule. He's probably the best player in the league, and he and Jokic are fighting for the top spot," Arenas said. Photo: Joel Embiid (Instagram) Last season, Embiid averaged 34.7 points per game and shot 52.9%, but he only played 58 games. Some fans argue that playing 65 games shouldn't be too hard for a 30-year-old. Arenas, however, feels  Embiid's performance in fewer games is still MVP-worthy. The rule...

Photo: Russell Westbrook (Instagram) Russell Westbrook made his first appearance with the Denver Nuggets in a preseason game. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic , are currently in Abu Dhabi, where they played against the Boston Celtics, with Jayson Tatum leading the opposing team. Friday marked Westbrook's debut in a Nuggets jersey. The nine-time NBA All-Star joined the team during the offseason. In his 18 minutes on the court, Westbrook scored 12 points, made eight assists, and grabbed four rebounds. He even nailed three out of his six three-point shots. Fans quickly noticed, and his performance went viral on social media. The NBA shared Westbrook’s first basket as a Nugget on Instagram, and it got over 1.6 million views. They also posted a slow-motion video of the same shot, which gained 85,000 views in just 30 minutes. Photo: Russell Westbrook (Instagram) Even Westbrook’s pregame routine caught attention. He finished his warm-up by sinking a corner three-pointer and then sprinte...

Photo: Russell Westbrook (Instagram) Russell Westbrook , who played with LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers, recently made headlines by praising his new Denver Nuggets teammate, Nikola Jokic . As the NBA season approaches, Westbrook expressed his admiration for Jokic, calling him “the best player in the world” during media day.  This comment raised eyebrows because it seemed to put Jokic above other stars, including LeBron. Westbrook joined the Nuggets after a tough time with the Lakers, where they struggled and missed the playoffs last season.  Now, he’s looking forward to playing alongside Jokic, the reigning Finals MVP. Westbrook is known for his impressive record in the NBA, being the all-time leader in triple-doubles with 199.  Photo: Russell Westbrook (Instagram) This season, he has a chance to become the first player ever to reach 200. However, Jokic is not far behind, having 130 triple-doubles since entering the league in 2015. While fans may see a rivalry br...

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Denver's star center, Nikola Jokic , has snagged the coveted title of the 2023-24 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, marking his third win in this prestigious category.  Jokic, who previously clinched the honor in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, now joins an elite group of players as only the ninth in NBA history to achieve this feat. The Serbian sensation, with nine years in the NBA under his belt, joins the ranks of basketball legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , Michael Jordan , Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James , Larry Bird, Magic Johnson , and Moses Malone, who have all secured three or more MVP titles throughout their careers. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic In the recently concluded 2023-24 regular season, Jokic showcased his prowess by ranking 10th in points, fourth in rebounds, and third in assists per game.  Notably, he became only the second player in NBA history to tally over 2,000 points, 900 rebounds, and 700 assists in a single s...

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic In a thrilling Game 1 of the playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday evening, Nikola Jokic made NBA history. The two-time MVP became the 60th player ever to record 500 career assists in the postseason. Jokic had an outstanding performance, scoring 23 points, grabbing ten rebounds, dishing out six assists, and making one steal in just 32 minutes of play. He shot an impressive 11 for 16 from the field. The Nuggets star is chasing Nate McMillan's 505 assists to climb higher on the all-time playoff assists list. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic This achievement adds to Jokic's stellar regular season stats, where he averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He also had a shooting percentage of 58.3% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range in 79 games. The Nuggets finished the regular season as the second seed in the Western Conference with a 57-25 record. They have been part...

Photo: Instagram/Luka Doncic Dallas Mavericks' star Luka Doncic has ascended to second place on the NBA MVP ladder, trailing only Nikola Jokic . Doncic's stellar performance throughout the 2023-24 season has propelled him into the spotlight, surpassing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the coveted second spot. With an impressive stat line boasting 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.1 rebounds per game, Doncic has been instrumental in leading the Mavericks to a 40-23 record in the games he's played. Photo: Instagram/Luka Doncic His recent dominance was underscored by a commanding 132-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings, where he notched 28 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in just 32 minutes of play. Despite facing setbacks such as a recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Doncic's exceptional performance has been the driving force behind the Mavericks' surge in the standings.  As they move into sixth place in the Western Conference, Doncic's MVP candidacy gains m...

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic During the showdown between the Denver Nuggets and the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, all eyes were on Nikola Jokic as he delivered a jaw-dropping pass that sent social media into a frenzy. Despite the Nuggets' narrow loss with a final score of 107-105, Jokic's standout performance couldn't be overlooked.  Finishing the game with 16 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, Jokic showcased his multifaceted skills on the court. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic The Nuggets, currently holding the second seed in the Western Conference with a remarkable 47-20 record, have been on a roll, winning nine out of their last ten games.  Jokic, at the heart of the team's success, continues to amaze fans with his stellar averages of 26.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, 9.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Joker flips a DIME over his head 🃏 DEN-DAL on ABC pic.twitter.com/5kCGxXJNjo — NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2024 Despite a slow start for Jokic, shooting 2/1...

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Nikola Jokic etched his name in NBA history as the Denver Nuggets staged a stunning comeback against the Toronto Raptors, overcoming a 22-point deficit to secure a 125-119 victory on their home turf in Colorado. Jokic's performance was nothing short of spectacular, leading the charge with an extraordinary stat line of 35 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists, six steals, and two blocks in 38 minutes of play.  Shooting 14/26 from the field and 1/3 from three-point range, the two-time MVP left an indelible mark on the game. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic This standout performance not only secured the Nuggets' win but also made NBA history, adding another chapter to Jokic's sensational season.  Averaging 26.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, Jokic boasts an impressive shooting percentage of 58.2% from the field and 34.9% from beyond the arc in 63 games. JOKER DOING JOKER THINGS 🃏 35 PTS 🃏 17 REB 🃏 12 AST 🃏 6 STL He's ...

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Amid Friday night's showdown between the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings, star player Nikola Jokic stirred attention by making his way to the locker room during the first half. Though dealing with recent back pain, Jokic, surprisingly absent from the injury report, reassured fans by swiftly returning to the game after a short stint off the court. Despite ongoing back discomfort, Jokic's resilience shines through, contributing to the Nuggets' long-standing success. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Known for rarely missing games, even when not at full health, Jokic's ability to power through challenges remains a crucial asset for Denver. While an official update is anticipated from Nuggets head coach Michael Malone post-game, the initial signs suggest Jokic's injury scare was not as alarming as feared.  Nikola Jokic headed to the locker room with an apparent lower back injury 💔🙏🏻 #NikolaJokic #DenverNuggets #NBA pic.twitter.com/Gx...

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Nikola Jokic ascends to the top position on the Kia MVP Ladder in a pivotal turn of events as Joel Embiid faces a precarious situation with a left lateral meniscus injury. Embiid's bid for a repeat MVP title hangs in the balance, with the new NBA collective bargaining agreement adding pressure, mandating a minimum of 65 games played for award eligibility. Reigning MVP Joel Embiid's recent absence from Philadelphia's lineup, coupled with his injury setback, raises concerns about his ability to meet the participation requirements. With 14 missed games and expectations of more, Embiid finds himself four games away from disqualification. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Noteworthy is Embiid's remarkable field-goal percentage of 53.3%, placing him on track to join the elite company of Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan , averaging 35 points or more on 50% or better from the field for a season. Warriors forward Draymond Green weighed in on Embii...

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic On Monday night, the Denver Nuggets, thanks to a stellar performance by Nikola Jokic , emerged victorious in a showdown against the Milwaukee Bucks, two NBA powerhouses. The reigning Finals MVP displayed dominance with 25 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.   Jokic's remarkable stat line places him in elite company, becoming just the fourth player in NBA history to achieve such numbers in a single game, alongside legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , Larry Bird, and Jimmy Butler , according to Basketball Reference's StatHead. Not only did Jokic etch his name in the record books with this feat, but he also tied Magic Johnson for the 5th most career 20-point triple-doubles in NBA history, marking his 85th such game. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Known for consistently delivering historic performances, Jokic's Monday night display mirrored his impressive season averages of 26.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game.  Despite...

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Nikola Jokic etched his name in NBA history in a Friday night showdown against the Boston Celtics. The Denver Nuggets' star finished the game with nine assists, catapulting himself to 98th on the all-time assists list, tying with Spud Webb at 4,342. During the intense matchup in Massachusetts, Jokic surpassed Jay Humphries (4,339) for the 99th spot on the all-time assists list. The next milestone on his journey is to eclipse Spud Webb. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Known for his exceptional passing skills, Jokic entered the game with impressive season averages: 25.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, 9.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.  Shooting at an impressive 58.1% from the field and 34.5% from beyond the arc in 41 games, he showcased his prowess on both ends of the court. Hold up... let them cook pic.twitter.com/6dLA2ZH8YN — Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 20, 2024 The Nuggets, holding the third seed in the Western Conference with a 28-14 record, disp...

Photo: Instagram/Joel Embiid On Tuesday, Joel Embiid showcased his brilliance against Nikola Jokic in a highly anticipated MVP showdown, securing a 126-121 victory for the 76ers. Despite Jokic's stellar 25-point, 19-rebound effort, Embiid stole the spotlight with a remarkable 41-point, 10-assist, seven-rebound masterclass, marking his eighth 40-point game this season. Embiid's exceptional fourth-quarter performance included a personal 10-0 run, sealing the win for the 76ers.  Despite the victory, Embiid, having the best season of his career, humbly deferred to Jokic, whispering post-game that Jokic is the "best player in the league." Photo: Instagram/Joel Embiid "I just told him he's the best player in the league," Embiid revealed in his postgame interview. "He won a championship, that's the best team in the league. He's the Finals MVP. Keep doing your thing, that's why you're the best in the league." The MVP race between Embi...

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic   Denver Nuggets' standout Nikola Jokic etched his name in NBA history. Jokic recorded an impressive stat line of 25 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block, shooting an extraordinary 92.3% from the field. According to Basketball Reference's StatHead, this remarkable feat makes Jokic the first player in NBA history to achieve such a stat line while shooting at least 90% from the field. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic   Notably, Wilt Chamberlain had similar performances in his career, but with steals and blocks not being recorded during his time, Chamberlain doesn't appear on this exclusive list. Speculation arises that Chamberlain might have achieved this feat at least once, but the lack of recorded steals and blocks leaves room for Jokic and Chamberlain as the likely pioneers of this exceptional line. This isn't the first time Jokic has entered the record books alongside Chamberlain. The Nuggets star boasts several records sur...

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic In a dazzling display of skill and efficiency, Denver Nuggets' standout Nikola Jokic made NBA history during Thursday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Jokic's first-half performance, featuring 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block, all on a perfect 100% shooting, solidified his status alongside Pau Gasol as the only players in NBA history to achieve such a remarkable half. The groundbreaking statistics were unearthed through Basketball Reference's StatHead, revealing that Jokic had previously achieved this extraordinary line two other times in his career, while Gasol's lone occurrence dates back to 2017. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Jokic's historic run didn't cease after the first half, as he continued to dominate, finishing the game with an impressive 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists on an immaculate 11/11 shooting performance. This achievement placed Jokic in the exclusive company of Wilt Chamberlai...

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic In a surprising turn of events during Tuesday night's clash against the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets' star player, Nikola Jokic , found himself ejected after a heated argument over a non-call.  The reasons behind the ejection remain unclear, leaving fans and analysts questioning the officiating decisions. Jokic, known for his on-court prowess, expressed disbelief at the ejection, suggesting that whatever transpired didn't warrant such drastic action. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic The incident marks the second time this season that Jokic has been prematurely removed from a game, echoing a similar fate that befell his head coach, Michael Malone, earlier in the season. The NBA's officiating consistency has come under scrutiny, with players highlighting the need for better communication between players and officials. The lack of dialogue often frustrates players who merely seek an opportunity to express their perspective on calls or game trend...