Never Forget: Joel Embiid dropped 51 points on the Timberwolves defense that is shutting down Nikola Jokic

If you thought I wouldn’t revisit the Joel Embiid vs. Nikola Jokic media war, you’re terribly mistaken. 

Jokic and the Denver Nuggets had a golden opportunity to tie up their second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert missed the game due to the birth of his son. Remember that Gobert is a three-time NBA defensive player of the year. 

Jokic finished with 16 points on 13 shots and was a -16 in a loss. Meanwhile, Joel, who had an active Gobert, dropped 51 points on their heads when facing this elite defense. 

WATCH: Joel Embiid torches Timberwolves on a 51 point night

Embiid dropped 51 on this T Wolves defense btw. pic.twitter.com/Ylr59vGnCK

— Joel Muse (@JEmbiidmuse) May 7, 2024

I’m sure all the NBA Twitter dorks are already calling Embiid a playoff “choker” in the comments. It’s a shame that couldn’t be further from the truth. On one leg and half a face, Embiid finished second in points per game out of all active players in the playoffs this year. 

All jokes aside, I don’t mind Jokic. It’s just this strange wave of analytic geeks that made me this way. Both players are in the top five in the NBA and have revolutionized the center position. The Joker has had more postseason success, but much of that is due to many fortunate circumstances. 

From the health and strength of opponents, the Nuggets now find themselves facing a team above 50 wins in the playoffs finally and are trailing 0-2; riddle me that. If this series ends with Anthony Edwards and the Wolves sending the Nuggets home, the media better keep the same energy towards Jokic that they do with Embiid.