76ers vs. Nets: Joel Embiid's Thoughts on James Harden’s Game 1

What did Joel Embiid think about James Harden's performance after the 76ers' Game 1 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

With the 2023 NBA Playoffs in effect, the Philadelphia 76ers need their stars to step up and continue finding consistency and success on the court. In the Sixers’ case, all eyes are on Joel Embiid and James Harden in the team’s first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets.

Both stars were a bit rusty during the first quarter of Game 1. After spending more than a week off from game action, Embiid and Harden shot a combined 4-12 from the field. 

In the second quarter, James Harden turned his play up a notch. Checking in for the entire 12-minute period, Harden drained four of his eight shots from the field, with all of his makes coming from deep. He collected five assists while scoring 12 points in the second quarter. 

By halftime, Harden had 17 points and six assists in 19 minutes. The Sixers were out in front with a 67-58 lead. While Harden’s shot was falling from deep, there were noticeable struggles at the rim, which is something that he and Joel Embiid pointed out after the game.

Regardless of the struggles from point-blank range, Harden still had his way with Brooklyn’s defense on Saturday afternoon, as he did a little bit of everything.

“He looked great,” Embiid said. “Like I said, just dribble-penetration, setting up guys. His shot looked great from three. He got his shot blocked a few times at the rim, but it’s gonna happen, and I'm sure next time he's gonna finish it, but it looks amazing, and that's great to see.”

Harden’s scoring took a backseat to his passing in the second half. During his final 17 minutes on the floor during the second half, Harden scored six points on six shots. He produced seven assists, which helped him rack up the double-double on the afternoon.

All season long, Harden has shown incredible value as a playmaker in the Sixers’ offense while reminding everybody just how good he can still be as a scorer, too. While Harden’s best trait in the Sixers’ offense is his passing and playmaking, Embiid made it clear that the ten-time All-Star has to maintain the aggression in all areas beyond Game 1.

“Best playmaker in the league by far,” Embiid continued. “We don’t want him — certainly me — I don’t want him to fall in love with just that. We need him to be aggressive, and he was today. Just attacking. By him attacking, he collapses the defense and creates open shots for everybody, or P. Reed, playing in the dunker for easy drop-off passes. I think the key is not just being a playmaker but being aggressive, going downhill, creating for himself and for everyone else.” 

Harden wrapped up Game 1 with 23 points and 13 assists while turning the ball over just four times in 36 minutes. The Sixers concluded Game 1 with a 121-101 victory over the Nets. With that win, the Sixers take a series lead before engaging in a rematch against the Nets at home in South Philly. 

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.