Joel Embiid and Myles Turner have dueled numerous times throughout their illustrious NBA careers, but nobody has ever realized just how lopsided the matchup really is.
That was, until Embiid “respectfully” cleared up any doubt on Monday night.
“He’s a great player and I have a lot of respect for him,” Embiid told reporters following the Philadelphia 76ers’ 130-114 win against the Indiana Pacers. “I say this respectfully, that’s a matchup I’ve dominated since I got to the league. He’s a great defender, leads the league in blocks, and he should be up there when it comes to Defensive Player of the Year.”
Embiid finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and a plus-22 rating in 27 minutes, while Turner was limited to 11 points, three assists, and a minus-17 net rating.
Recently named an All-Star starter for the fourth consecutive year, and on pace to win his first MVP award, Joel Embiid is clearly doing everything he can to back up his comments on, not only Turner, but any NBA center who steps in his way.
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It will be interesting to see what Myles Turner, who leads the league in blocks per game with 3.4, brings to the table in their final matchup of the season on May 11. With the Sixers and Pacers both currently in playoff contention, the Indiana big man may have a longer wait for redemption if the teams wind up resting their starters.