James Harden shines in first Sixers game

Sure, it’s just one recreation. However what a recreation it was.

Within the period of Curryball, Sixers followers have by no means cheered for guards who may shoot, cross, and dribble. And hit free throws. Heaps and plenty of free throws. And even wide-open dunks.

At 32, James Harden could also be just a few years previous his prime, however he’s a revelation.

“That was in all probability probably the most huge open I’ve ever been in my profession,” stated Joel Embiid, who has a legit offensive weapon to accomplice with for the primary time since … uh Jimmy Butler.

Admittedly, Harden has at all times been one in all my least favourite gamers to observe, efficient as he’s. However when he does two step-back three-and-ones in a single recreation, you be taught to dwell with it shortly. Embiid scored 34 factors on 18 pictures in 31 minutes in the course of the Sixers’ 133-102 destruction of Minnesota. Harden scored 27 on 12 pictures, together with 5 of seven from downtown.

These 5 3-pointers ties him with Ben Simmons’ profession complete. It’s simple to say the fitting issues after one win, however Harden does sound like a person on a mission.

”I’ve nothing to show individually. As a unit I feel now we have one thing to show.”

Realistically there’s no workforce within the league outfitted to defend Embiid and Harden. And maybe most significantly, 21-year-old Tyrone Maxey shot 12-for-16 for 28 factors, and proved, for one recreation no less than, that he can thrive on a workforce with Harden.

“I do know from his expertise,” Maxey stated, “when he’s doing his ‘tween-the-legs and steps again on me and also you contact him and he will get a foul and also you simply be like …(hangs head)…however nah it was nice.”

Think about Brooklyn not demanding Maxey and nonetheless sending James Harden to Philadelphia for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two picks. Couldn’t be me.

A February blowout in Minnesota shouldn’t be a decent Recreation 7 in Milwaukee or Boston within the spring. However for now, Embiid, Harden and the Sixers look proper collectively.