Sixers star Joel Embiid explains motivations for dominating Rudy Gobert



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The Philadelphia 76ers faced the Utah Jazz on Wednesday in a top two-team game at their respective conferences. Everything was set up to be a huge game as both teams have star power both on the perimeter and in the big men’s places.

Joel Embiid had yet another big night as he lost 40 points and 19 rebounds, including a massive triple to force overtime in a 131-123 win. He came in a game with former Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert who will open his eyes a lot in the MVP conversation.

Embiid also shot an effective 14-for-27 from the ground and he was 10-for-13 from the line. Considering Gobert’s status, the big guy wanted to bring it to him.

“One of my goals against him is to be the defensive player of the year as well,” said Embiid. “When you go up against these types of guys he’s a great player, he does a lot for his team that doesn’t show up on the stats sheet, but when you go up against these guys it brings something else to my game. I want to dominate on the offensive side, but especially on the defensive side. This is the goal I set for myself at the start of the year. “

The Sixers needed Embiid’s every point in this one against the best team in the NBA in terms of records and it was very important for them to get this victory and enter the break with some momentum. It really is one of their best wins of the season.

“He was absolutely amazing,” coach Doc Rivers said. “He got what he wanted when he wanted it. He made the right plays. It was a very big team victory for us. We’re lucky we got a 3 from Joel which is huge for us and we wanted a 2 or a 3 at this point. We didn’t care because we had a downtime in our pocket, but it was huge.

The Sixers have two players who are contenders for Defensive Player of the Year at Embiid along with Ben Simmons, but for the big guy to come out and play like he did on offense against Gobert and then block two. shots is huge.

“Obviously I have another teammate of mine who has the potential to be Defensive Player of the Year, but these are the clashes that you want to get out of and just dominate,” Embiid added. “Show everyone that we have a great team and individually I should be up there when it comes to these rankings and everything.”

The Sixers will now head to the All-Star break sitting atop the East after a very nice win.

This post originally appeared on Sixers wire! follow us on Facebook!

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