The Sixers defeated the Miami Heat Monday evening by a final score of 124-114, and star big man Joel Embiid put on another dominating performance.

In 36 minutes, Joel Embiid finished with 35 points, 18 rebounds and three assists. It was Embiid's ninth 30 point, 10 rebound game of the season in the first 15 games, putting him in some rare, elite company.

When Joel Embiid missed his entire rookie season with a broken foot, many were wondering what kind of player he would be when he came back. Then, when Embiid missed his second season, everyone pretty much wrote him off and considered him a bust, even though he didn't even play a game yet.

In his third season, which was technically his first playing season, Joel Embiid showed flashes of his talent. The center averaged 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds. However, he suffered a meniscus tear and needed surgery, limiting him to only 31 games. So, questions still remained about Embiid and his health.

Last season, though, Joel Embiid played in 63 games and dominated the competition, showing why the Sixers drafted him with the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Embiid averaged 22.9 points and 11.0 rebounds. He made the All-Star team and guided the Sixers to the second-round of the playoffs. The league was put on notice.

At media day this year, Joel Embiid said he wanted to win the MVP award. Entering Monday, the 24-year-old was averaging 27.7 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. He's definitely an early candidate for the MVP.