James Harden Masterclass Helps Sixers Steal Game 1 vs. Celtics

The Philadelphia 76ers surely didn’t have luck on their side when it came to health heading into their Game 1 matchup against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. However, James Harden’s performance helped make up for the significant loss in the starting lineup.

A little under two weeks ago, Sixers center Joel Embiid suffered a knee injury while facing the Brooklyn Nets. After getting diagnosed with a knee sprain, Embiid missed Philadelphia’s Game 4 matchup against the Nets.

Without Embiid, Harden and the Sixers found success by completing the sweep over the Nets. After eliminating the Nets, the Sixers hoped that having over a week off would help Embiid get healthy enough to return for Game 1 against Boston.

But that wasn’t the case, as Embiid was ruled out before the matchup.

“Was hoping we would get enough time for Big Fella to get back and be ready for Game 1,” Harden said on Sunday before traveling to Boson. “A little adversity, we’re just getting ready to go out there and play well for Game 1. Get off to a really good start, and just give them four quarters of toughness on both ends of the ball. Offensively attacking, generating really good shots.”

Harden mentioned he had to flip a switch offensively and make up for the absence of the league’s scoring champion. And a well-rested Harden turned back the clock and indeed accomplished his goal against a tough Boston team in Game 1.

From the jump, Harden was aggressive from the field. Putting up ten shots, the veteran knocked down seven of his attempts, scoring 16 points in 12 minutes.

After getting a breather in the second quarter, Harden checked back in to produce five more points before halftime. Harden’s 21 points at the half helped the Sixers keep it close as Boston led 66-63. Then in the second half, Harden continued cooking from the field.

During his final 20-minute stretch on the court, Harden hit on half of his shots and knocked down four threes. By getting to the charity stripe twice and knocking down all four of his free throws, Harden produced 24 points in the second half, with 15 of those points coming in the fourth quarter.

Harden helped lead the Sixers past the Celtics with an upset 119-115 victory. The veteran guard finished the night with 45 points while spending a little under 40 minutes on the floor.

With that win, the Sixers take a 1-0 lead in the series. Now, they hope Embiid will be healthy enough to get back on the floor for Game 2 on Wednesday night.