James Harden Joins Historic List in Game 1 vs. Celtics

Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden carried his team to victory on Monday night, defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 1 without Joel Embiid. It was a vintage performance from Harden, who tied his playoff career-high with 45 points. With that performance, Harden became one of just 14 active players with multiple 45-point playoff games in their career.

The players Harden tied on this list are Kawhi Leonard, Steph Curry, Jamal Murray, Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard, and Luka Doncic. The only active players with more than two career 45-point games in the playoffs are LeBon James, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Donovan Mitchell, Ja Morant, Devin Booker, and Jimmy Butler.

Two LA Clippers players appear on this list, as Kawhi Leonard is one of the players that Harden tied, and Russell Westbrook is one of the players he still trails. It is clearly an exclusive group of active players who have multiple 45-point playoff games, and James Harden has now joined it.

Having struggled at times in the playoffs throughout his career, Harden is looking to leave all of that behind this postseason. While Harden has undoubtedly had some low moments in the playoffs, he does have some big moments as well, which he added to in Game 1 vs. the Celtics. As Harden mentioned after the game, Philly will need more of the same in Game 2.

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