Things started on a good note for the Philadelphia 76ers as they won the first game of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics. In Joel Embiid’s absence, James Harden scored 45 points and led the team to the win. Since then the 76ers have lost two consecutive games and are now trailing. After showing up big time in game 1, Harden struggled to make an impact in the next two games. As Embiid took a subtle jab after the loss, Harden gave his take.
Although the reigning MVP?returned after recovering from a strained LCL, the Sixers still succumbed to a loss in game 3. In the post-game interview, Harden made it clear he was not bothered by anything the Celtics did.
James Harden is not bothered by the Celtics on the court
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James Harden scored a meager 16 points in game 3 against the Boston Celtics. Most fans expected more from a player of his caliber. Joel Embiid returned to the team as he had a massive 30-point game. But no other player on the team scored 20. In the post-game interview when Harden was asked if he was bothered by his opponents, he replied, “Nope”.
James Harden talked to a few reporters during Joel Embiid's postgame podium presser. Here are the questions and answers from that brief locker room interview: pic.twitter.com/dMKdlO2eto
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) May 6, 2023
Even though Harden said Boston didn’t do anything to impact him, he was not efficient on the offensive end. The 2018 NBA MVP might want to find his rhythm in game-4 to help his team against the Celtics’ defense.
In game-3, Harden was criticized for dropping the ball during one of the most crucial moments of the game. Joel Embiid‘s heroics were not enough to take Philadelphia past Boston. The reigning MVP even expressed his disappointment in the post-game presser.
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Joel Embiid expresses disappointment
In the post-game press conference, Joel Embiid made it clear that he was not happy with his team’s performance. He said, “I think, players have to show up. I gotta do my job. Other guys, everybody knows their role, they have to do their job. Players have to show up.”
Many believe Embiid’s comments were directed toward James Harden. He made it clear that everyone in the Philadelphia 76ers will have to do their part and contribute to the team’s success. He put up 30 points, pulled down 13 rebounds, and was a great defensive asset with 4 blocks. However, the reigning MVP will need help from his teammates if the 76ers are to make a comeback in the series.
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Do you think James Harden will come back stronger in the next game? Let us know in the comments below.