Many falling prey to the NBA’s postseason officiating, Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden joined the list today. In a heated game between the Sixers and the Brooklyn Nets, Harden’s scoring spree was put to an end by the referees. Though the Sixers led by Joel Embiid have taken a demanding lead in the series, Harden’s tweet after the game received the rival’s fans’ wrath.?
A game with multiple ejections has stunned Harden as he called out the “unacceptable” officiating. Though Embiid came up clutch late in the fourth quarter to seal the game, Harden did not fail to mention the surprising call.
James Harden boasts about the victory on Twitter
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Game 3 between the Sixers and the Nets had numerous dramatic scenes. Despite having a big lead in the first half, the Nets lost it late in the third quarter after Joel Embiid and co. went on a huge run. Dominating the board with 10 rebounds and a crucial 14-point performance, the 29-year-old center filled in late for his teammate’s absence. However, an unexpected call on James Harden stole the spotlight.
Making contact with a Brooklyn forward with his elbow, James Harden was ejected with a flagrant 2, which left the fans in denial. Leading the team with 21 points, the referees put an end to the Sixers guard’s night. Though Embiid helped maintain the lead with his defensive performance late in the fourth, Harden made sure he called out the referees.?
James Harden doesn't mince words about his ejection:
"That's unacceptable. That can't happen."
He said he didn't hit him in the privates. Miffed he got his first playoff ejection. pic.twitter.com/QB1gBLVN26
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) April 21, 2023
Watch this story: “Michael Jordan has two personalities that helped pave a path for LeBron, Kobe and now Victor Wembanyama”
In the post-game interview, the ten-time All-Star mentioned, “That’s unacceptable. Flagrant 2, like the first time I’m ejected… I didn’t hit him in the private area… I didn’t hit him hard enough to fall down…Honestly I don’t even think it’s a foul”.?After sharing his thoughts on the ejection, Harden went on to boast about the victory with a picture of his post-game meal.?
James Harden’s post-game shenanigans receive fans’ wrath
The Nets’ fans were unhappy after their team lost the lead late in the game. One game away from elimination, the Nets’ fans went on to take their frustration to the next level by slamming Harden’s meal. Showing displeasure towards the Sixers star, one fan mentioned, “Last thing you needs is fruity pebbles”. Here are some of the fans’ reactions on Twitter:?
Last thing you needs is fruity pebbles https://t.co/y9C4IrukEj
— Ian (@Ian_Barns) April 21, 2023
https://twitter.com/BenzoDaGod/status/1649280289582055424?s=20
Chill on all that bro cmon man
— pete (@arcadeflame) April 21, 2023
A few fans were surprised to see Harden’s meal and they blamed Elon Musk for it.
I thought it was a troll account 😭
— GDB (@GDB_LPN) April 21, 2023
almost didn’t recognize you without that blue check 😂😂😂
— Kennedy Todd-Williams (@Ktoddwilli) April 21, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
i see you are partaking in the holiday this year judging by your selection of snacks
— michael (@lifeoftheswine) April 21, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think James Harden deserves this hate? Share your thoughts in the comments below.