James Harden’s arrival has include quite a lot of anticipation from the Philadelphia 76ers and his teammates. MVP candidate Joel Embiid gave the impression to be probably the most excited to be taking part in with a participant of Harden’s caliber.
“I imply, it’s humorous, you see all of the tales which are on the market, and all that stuff, and clearly all of us see it,” Embiid stated when requested taking part in Harden earlier than a taking pictures per ESPN. “It’s utterly totally different than what you see on the market. He’s an awesome particular person, an awesome character, all the time smiling, enjoyable to be round. Every thing, actually.”
“His presence on the crew and on the ground has actually modified loads since he acquired right here. So I’m simply excited for that to proceed on the court docket, and I feel that’s going to assist us loads.”
James Hardens 76ers debut went off seamlessly. The Beard led Philly to a 133-102 win over the Timberwolves.
Harden posted 27 factors, 12 assists, and eight rebounds on 58 % taking pictures in 35 minutes. That is the 6ers first recreation for the reason that All-Star break concluded, and Harden’s first time again on the hardwood after a hamstring damage sidelined him for eight video games, half of which got here earlier than the blockbuster tradeline deal between Philly and Brooklyn.
🔔 James Harden is about for his @sixers debut! 🔔
PHI @ MIN
8pm/et • League Crosshttps://t.co/CgrjmCx2iJ pic.twitter.com/nAdeO1Ecut— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2022
The opening quarter couldn’t have gone any higher for Philly after the 76ers began the sport on a 15-0 run.
Throughout that run, Harden additionally acquired the primary bucket of his 76ers profession after razzling and dazzling his strategy to the rim off a baseline drive. The Beard not solely confirmed that his burst is again, however he additionally highlighted his bodily play shrugging off Anthony Edwards to finish the ring and the hurt for the three factors.
Harden with the godly stutter step crossover into the AND1. Who’s excited for Harden’s new chapter in Philly?
(through @sixers) pic.twitter.com/3izzkmbAan
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 26, 2022
Subsequent to Embiid, the 2 featured weapons of the 76ers offense mixed for 31 factors, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists within the first half. The 2 All-Stars additionally dominated on the free-throw line going 16/19 from the road. Harden himself scored 17 factors, 5 dimes, and grabbed three assists.
Harden couldn’t escape the primary half with out hitting his signature facet step-back three both, including insult to damage after drawing a foul on Jared Vanderbilt.
.@JHarden13‘s signature transfer. pic.twitter.com/hwwJ7ByJty
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 26, 2022
With a 65-49 lead going into the half, the 76ers experiment with the previous MVP appeared to have energized the crew. The third quarter is when Philly created full separation, constructing a lead as giant as 27 after a reverse layup from Embiid.
they do not name it the Goal Middle for nothin’ pic.twitter.com/HCDioRPUMU
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 26, 2022
When it was all stated, the 76ers ended the evening not having to sweat the main points after dominating the Timberwolves by as a lot as 35 factors. Harden’s debut couldn’t have gone higher as he completed the evening along with his first double-double as a 76er and ended the evening with a +/- rating of +35.
again to again. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/IEV0Zufh3I
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 26, 2022
The ten-time All-Star and Embiid mixed for 61 factors. Tyrese Maxey was additionally an enormous benefactor of the eye Harden attracts, scoring 28 factors and tallying 4 steals.
Joel Embiid and James Harden mixed for 61 factors tonight. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/O4I7vR7F8d
— theScore (@theScore) February 26, 2022
The subsequent time the 76ers and Harden performs shall be towards the Knicks on Monday. Between now and Sunday, the nice emotions will persist as Philly seems to be a fair larger menace to return out of the Japanese Convention and play within the Finals. At 36-23, the 76ers are third within the East.
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