?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 Philadelphia 76ers are preparing to take on the Boston Celtics in the second round of playoffs. The 76ers clinched the first round with four straight wins against the Brooklyn Nets. Now, as they step into their next challenge, the 76ers will be missing their star player Joel Embiid. Embiid picked up a knee injury during the first round of playoffs and had to sit out game 4. Amid reports of Embiid’s absence, Philly’s biggest hope James Harden has refused to bow down to the looming shadows of the past.

Despite his teammate’s absence, Harden is focused on the next challenge. The 33-year-old recently made his intentions clear, that he will be taking things one at a time. The 2018 MVP said that the team is focusing on the goal of winning the title and not on things from the past.

James Harden’s 76ers are looking to do away with their playoffs curse

The 76ers haven’t had the best of outcomes in the second round of the playoffs for the past few seasons. In their last 12 appearances, they hold a record of 1-11. In order to tackle this long-standing issue, the 76ers brought in some major changes in their team. From hiring Doc Rivers as their coach to acquiring James Harden in a blockbuster deal with the Brooklyn Nets, the 76ers have been preparing themselves for this challenge and it is finally here.

Once again, they find themselves lacking in one aspect, as their star player Embiid’s presence is still uncertain. However, according to Harden, the team is not going to let anything hold them back this time when they kickstart the series Monday night.

Harden said, “I think for us, we focus on what we can control.” The 10x NBA All-Star said that their approach is going to be very simple. The team will be focusing on one game at a time and will aim to improve in every aspect of the game. While talking about their unfortunate performances in the second-round playoffs, Harden seemed unbothered.

He said, “We can?t focus on things that have happened in the past.” Harden himself has been unfortunate in the postseason games in his career. A superstar of the game in every sense is yet to win a championship.

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In last season’s conference semifinals, Harden had put up a performance way below expectations. He attempted just one shot in the final period of the eliminator against the Miami Heat. Other than that, his final quarter performance was also subpar. This time around, he is not going to let any piece of history hold him back. Harden said, “It is what it is. Whether it?s individual or the team, none of that matters.” The point guard added that he will be focusing on being present for his team and living in the moment.

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