All 76ers

James Harden Helps Philadelphia 76ers’ NBA Play-In Push

Since the Philadelphia 76ers still want a Play-In position, James Harden's game-sealing shot in Chicago did them a favor.
Justin Grasso|
Feb 26, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) points towards former Chicago Bulls player Pat Beverley, who was on the sidelines, after scoring against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) points towards former Chicago Bulls player Pat Beverley, who was on the sidelines, after scoring against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

In this story:

Philadelphia 76ersChicago BullsLos Angeles Clippers

James Harden no longer plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, but he offered them a bit of help on Wednesday night in Chicago, Illinois.

As the Los Angeles Clippers and the Chicago Bulls engaged in a tight battle down the wire on Wednesday, LA relied on James Harden to close out the matchup on their final offensive possession.

With a little over 20 seconds left to go in the game, Harden’s Clippers held a one-possession lead. The 11-time All-Star hit a step-back three to shut the lights out in Chicago.

via @BleacherReport: JAMES. HARDEN. DAGGER. 😤

Harden might’ve done the Sixers a favor on Wednesday, but they haven’t helped themselves much since returning from the All-Star break. Last week, a win over the Brooklyn Nets would’ve put the Sixers 0.5 games back from the 10th-seeded Bulls.

Then, a win on Monday against Chicago would’ve allowed the Sixers to acquire the final Play-In spot for the time being. Unfortunately for the Sixers, they lost to Brooklyn, which sent them down one spot. They didn’t do themselves any favors after losing to the Bulls on Monday.

The defeat against the New York Knicks on Wednesday made it nine losses in a row for the 76ers. They are still in the hunt for the final Play-In spot, but the Sixers remain in a tough position. However, the team made it clear that the goal is still making the playoffs. Harden and the Clippers defeating the Bulls was a positive moment for Philly.

More 76ers on SI

Nick Nurse’s Injury Update on Eric Gordon

Sixers Add Lonnie Walker IV to Roster

Former Alabama Basketball Player Reacts to Joining the Sixers

NBA Analyst’s Blunt Take on 76ers’ Playoff Aspirations

Former Sixer Speaks on Recent Paul George Criticism

Published
Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s Philadelphia 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia Threads: @JGrassoMedia

Share on XFollow @JGrasso_
Home/News