Kia MVP Ladder: Joel Embiid solidifies his spot in win vs. Nuggets, Nikola Jokic

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Setting the stage this week is Joel Embiid, who returned from a three-game absence with a pair of 41-point triple-doubles, including Tuesday’s 41-point, 10-assist gem in a 126-121 win over two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

Embiid made it a point in the aftermath to inform the 28-year-old Serbian that he’s “the best player in the league.”

Jokic performed that way with 25 points and 19 rebounds, including a career-high 11 offensive rebounds, which totaled more than twice Philadelphia’s output in that category (five offensive rebounds). Embiid racked up 40-plus points for the second time in a row against Jokic, improving his career record in that matchup to 6-2.

One stat to know: 18 — That’s Embiid’s current streak of 30-point performances dating back to Nov. 17. The current run ties for the sixth-longest in NBA history, tying Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor, who accomplished the feat in the early 1960s.

What they’re saying: “The guy is amazing. I think there is nobody who can stop him one-on-one.” — Nuggets center Jokic on Embiid, who scored 10 straight points in the fourth quarter and finished the final frame with 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting.

And now, the top 5 in the 2023-24 Kia Race to the MVP Ladder.

1. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Last week’s ranking: No. 1

Season stats: 35.1 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 6.1 apg

His case: Combined with Tyrese Maxey (25 points) and Tobias Harris (24) for 90 points on Tuesday, marking his second-straight outing with 40 points or more since returning from a knee injury. Embiid has racked up 40-plus points in two consecutive matchups against Jokic and, this season, the Sixers are 23-6 with Embiid … and 3-7 without him.

2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Last week’s ranking: No. 2

Season stats: 25.5 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 9.1 apg

His case: Teams are trying to take away Jokic’s impact as a facilitator. The two-time MVP tied his season-low with three assists Tuesday and it’s no coincidence that Denver has lost nine straight games when opponents limit Jokic to fewer than five assists.

The Nuggets head into Game 2 of a five-game road trip Friday at Boston with clashes at Washington, Indiana and New York on deck.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last week’s ranking: No. 3

Season stats: 31 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 6.3 apg

His case: Oklahoma City shot 50% or better for the 12th time in its last 14 outings on Thursday as Gilgeous-Alexander produced his NBA-leading 29th game this season with 30-plus points. The 134-129 win against the Jazz marked the 13th game the Thunder finished with 30 assists or more.

That’s a new franchise record since the club moved to Oklahoma City. The Thunder are 21-8 this season when Gilgeous-Alexander goes for 30 points or more.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Last week’s ranking: No….