Joel Embiid is excited to accomplish unique record alongside James Harden: “We just know how to play, we just know what to do”
Philadelphia 76ers teammates Joel Embiid and James Harden have been playing incredibly well this season. They also made history in accomplishing a feat that hasn't been attained in 41 years.
The Sixers duo is the first pair to lead the league in both scoring and assists this season. The last time this happened was in 1982, when George Gervin of the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA scoring title and his teammate, Johnny Moore, was the assists leader.
The Sixers (20-12) are on an eight-game win streak, which saw them dispose of the New York Knicks 119-112 on Christmas Day. When asked how the two of them will be able to achieve this, Embiid humbly answered.
"We just know how to play. We just know what to do," Embiid said. "I think the biggest thing that we’ve gotten better at is the timing. He’s such a good playmaker that he just finds me and sees the plays that not everyone else might see.
Joel Embiid and James Harden could become first teammates to lead the NBA in scoring and assists in 41 years inquirer.com/sixers/joel-em… via @phillyinquirer
"So, I think the timing has been great and just playing off of each other and (if) we see something that works, we keep coming back to it."
Embiid is now averaging more points than Luka Doncic this season. He's averaging 33.1 points, leading the Sixers to fifth placein the Eastern Conference. Harden, on the other hand, has been incredible in being the unofficial assists leader in the NBA with 11.1.
The Beard isn't the official assists leader as he has only played 56% of Philly's games this season. To be the official leader, a player must play 70% of his team's games. That's why Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers (10.3 apg) is still leading the league.
The Sixers will try and keep their streak alive as they go against the Washington Wizards (13-21) on Tuesday night.
Also read: Joel Embiid in awe of James Harden's playmaking ability: "He just finds me and sees the plays that not everyone else might see"
Can Joel Embiid win the MVP this season?
Philly's All-Star big man Joel Embiid has been playing extremely well this season as he tries his best to win his first MVP award. While many thought he was the winner last season, Nikola Jokic's season was better. In an interview last season, Embiid shared how disappointed he was after losing the MVP to Jokic.
"Last year, I campaigned about it. This year, I answered questions when asked, and the next few years until I retire, it’s almost like … I don’t know. Like I said, I don’t know what else I have to do to win it," Embiid said. "To me, at this point it’s whatever."
This season, Joel Embiid is facing another hurdle in his quest to win the MVP award. Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have all been playing incredibly well, as the five-time All-Star tries to keep pace with his performances.
Also read: Joel Embiid takes shot at Toronto Raptors, believing they have malicious intent playing against superstars: “They don't care about winning”