James Harden Singles Out Paul Reed in Tweet During 76ers vs. Nets

The Philadelphia 76ers went into their 2022-2023 regular-season finale undermanned. As expected, the entire starting lineup missed the matchup, along with multiple key reserves. Sixers guard James Harden was among those who got the night off for the second-straight game.

Harden was tuned into the action on Sunday as the Sixers went toe-to-toe with the Brooklyn Nets. In the matchup between reserves, the Sixers received stellar performances, and one of the standouts was Philadelphia’s backup center, Paul Reed.

The young veteran got the Sixers off to a quick start. Checking in for nearly eight minutes at the beginning of the game, Reed put up a team-leading seven shots from the field. He made all but two of them to score ten of the team’s 36 first-quarter points.

Reed finished the first half with ten points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and three blocks.

As the first half of action ensued, Reed’s superstar teammate Harden took to Twitter to praise the young big man’s performance with the Sixers’ temporary starting five.

Reed hoopin!
— James Harden (@JHarden13) April 9, 2023

Reed wrapped up the game with 17 points, ten rebounds, one assist, two steals, and five blocks in 27 minutes. He helped the Sixers seal the deal on a 134-105 win.

While the game didn’t count for anything, it was yet, another encouraging performance for Reed. For the second-straight playoff run, Reed is expected to have a role. Down the stretch of the regular season, Reed worked on bettering his chemistry playing with Harden.

The comfort level between Harden and Reed was a work in progress all season long, but the final showings of the year were encouraging, to say the least. With the playoffs arriving, it seems Harden continues to be impressed with Reed’s growth on the court.

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