Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards on Joel Embiid: 'MVP of the League'

Just one night after trading baskets with Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid went toe to toe with Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.

Through the first quarter of action, the young guard was in charge with a 15-point showing that helped get his team off to a 27-24 lead over Embiid’s Sixers.

But it wouldn’t be long before Embiid answered back.

Checking into the second quarter for six minutes, Embiid tacked on eight points. As the Sixers outscored Minnesota 34-18 before the half, they led the Timberwolves 58-45.

Then in the third quarter, Embiid looked better than ever.

In just ten minutes, the big man produced 22 points. He drained six of his 11 shots from the field and nailed all eight of his free throws. When he came off the court, the Sixers had a comfortable enough lead to keep him on the bench for the remainder of the game.

After the matchup, Edwards chimed in on the never-ending MVP debate, which typically makes people pick between the two-time runner-up Embiid, and the two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic.

For Edwards, he chooses the guy his team couldn’t contain on Tuesday.

“MVP of the league,” said Edwards, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. “Most Valuable Player in the NBA, for sure.”

Despite playing for just three quarters, totaling under 30 minutes of playing time, Embiid produced a game-high of 39 points. He scored seven more points than Edwards in the end. Along with his high scoring, Embiid also came down with seven rebounds, blocked three shots, and dished out four assists.

While the personal accolades had Embiid feeling good on Tuesday, he was even happier his team got the win as the Sixers advanced to 43-22 with a 117-94 victory over the Timberwolves.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.