The Philadelphia 76ers are set to square off with the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Both are powerhouse teams who boast a 5-2 record this season. Fans are also excited to see the matchup between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, two of the best centers in the NBA right now.
Sixers head coach Brett Brown said Embiid is motivated by this looming collision with Jokic.
This morning @msinger asked Brett Brown if he thinks Embiid gets up for matchups like Jokic:
“I’m sure. How can you not?”
Said Embiid is as competitive as anyone he’s ever coached.
“It’s a day he’s aware of.”
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) November 8, 2019
Embiid has proven time and time again that he doesn't back down from any challenge, especially when it's against someone as talented as Jokic. His competitive spirit is one of the main reasons why he keeps getting better.
But for Jokic, going up against Embiid and the Sixers isn't something that hypes him up, as he treats it as just another game.
“I don’t have the real reason (for strong games against them). I don’t go up (against) anybody. I’m just playing basketball,” the Serbian center added.
Jokic has said on multiple occasions that he doesn't set goals because it adds unnecessary pressure on him. So it's not like he isn't looking forward to his match with Embiid, it's just that he doesn't feel the need to prove that he's better.
Embiid and Jokic might have different personalities, but they do have one thing in common: they both want to win and compete for championships. Fortunately for them, both their teams have a legitimate chance to accomplish that this season.
This season, Embiid is averaging 24.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 blocks, while Jokic is putting up 14.9 points, 9.7 boards and 5.9 dimes per game.
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