After Moving ?Quicker? Than Expected, Sixers Star James Harden Hits His Team With Reality on Historic Playoff Night

The NBA playoffs continue to give us stunning moments. The night the Philadelphia 76ers didn’t have Joel Embiid, James Harden turned back the clock. Exploding for a playoff career-high, Harden shocked a packed TD Garden. The Boston Celtics had no answer as the offensive juggernaut went head-to-head against Jayson Tatum. He hit the dagger on Boston to secure the road win.

Unsurprisingly, the 76ers were in a mood to celebrate – they danced all over the court! However, despite it being a huge moment in the series, Harden seemed to have problems with his teammates having such fun too early. The 76ers go up 1-0 in the series as they await the return of the NBA’s scoring champion and MVP frontrunner, Joel Embiid.

James Harden knows the playoffs all too well

The Sixers had beaten the formidable Celtics in their own backyard. Without Embiid, it was a feat that no one saw coming. Analysts and experts wrote them off, but Harden only proved he doesn’t believe in logic. The 10-time All-Star became the scoring phenom Philadelphia desperately needed. The result? He had the best performance of his postseason career torching Boston for 45 points.

As he hit the dagger over Al Horford, all his 76ers teammates went crazy. Fist bumps and celebrations were underway. However, there was something different about Harden. The 33-year-old had a rather calm demeanor despite his career night. As a seasoned veteran well aware of the nature of the postseason, he asked his teammates to rush to the locker room.

READ MORE-?It Is What It Is?None of That Matters?: Refusing to Dwell in the Past, James Harden Reveals 76ers Approach in Joel Embiid?s Absence

The reason was simple- “It’s only Game 1” yelled Harden asking his teammates to go back to the locker room.

This only shows how determined James Harden is in this run. Even without Embiid, Harden wasn’t fazed. It came to him in an isolation possession against Al Horford, a much bigger defender. Naturally, it was a mismatch he could exploit, and the Beard hit his patented step-back three to win the game.

Horford claims the Sixers guard moved quicker than usual. Not just that but he also feels he can’t get “too close” to Harden because he ‘kicks his leg out’ to draw the foul.

Despite a shocker win in Boston in Game 1, the Philadelphia 76ers can’t rest. Joel Embiid remains questionable with no real date of return. Yes, we have seen James Harden have such extraordinary scoring nights on a regular before. But he isn’t the Houston Rockets’ killer scorer anymore. The Sixers will need others like Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris to step up if they hope to take down the second seed.

Harden’s mentality seems clear as ice, “We?re coming in here to get Game 2” he said during the post-game press conference.

Do you think the Sixers can get it done without Embiid? Let us know your views in the comments below.

The Beard scored 40 after two seasons

Tonight was a legendary performance by the former NBA MVP. Ever since his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, James Harden hasn’t had the regular scoring exploits he once did regularly. A 40-point game for Harden in his prime was something of second nature. However, he has slowly transitioned into a playmaker with the Sixers.

You might be wondering, just when did you last hear the Beard score 40? Well, It’s been a really long time. The last time Harden scored 40 or more was back in the 2021-22 season while he was still a part of the Nets. He scored 44 points against the Detroit Pistons in a 113-111 win for Brooklyn.

Watch This Story:?Joel Embiid, Vernon Maxwell, and other NBA players who got into brawls with fans

The Sixers need this version of Harden to unleash, at least until Joel Embiid can return. Not only does this give the Philly big a sense of relief to take his time, but the 76ers now have another monster scorer among their ranks.