Embiid calls MVP chants in L.A. 'a blessing'

Joel Embiid continued his case for his first NBA MVP award in Los Angeles on Friday night, scoring 27 points and 10 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Clippers 122-97.

The Crypto.com Arena crowd showered the 76ers star with "MVP" chants, and he showed his appreciation to the fans after the game.

"It's a blessing," Embiid said of the chants. "I haven't won one. It feels like I'm close, so I'm just really focused on finishing the season strong and making sure that we go into the playoffs with the right mindset. But it's always appreciated. Like I said, it's a blessing, and I love it, but that's not really the focus."

The Sixers improved to 46-27 with Friday's win and sit a half-game back of the Miami Heat for first place in the Eastern Conference.