James Harden Makes History in Game 4 vs. Celtics

In this story:
In a massive Game 4 victory over the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden finished with 42 PTS, 9 AST, 8 REB, and 4 STL. With that stat line, Harden joined Russell Westbrook as the only two players in NBA history to achieve that line or better in a playoff game. Westbrook did it in 2017 when he finished with 51 PTS, 13 AST, 10 REB, and 4 STL with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James Harden had 42 PTS, 9 AST, 8 REB, 4 STL tonight.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) May 7, 2023
The only other player in NBA history to achieve that line or better in a playoff game is Russell Westbrook.
Russ had 51 PTS, 13 AST, 10 REB and 4 STL in 2017. pic.twitter.com/itpIcNdu6D
Now with the LA Clippers, Westbrook had another solid showing this postseason, doing it without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Down his two star teammates, Westbrook gave the Clippers a chance in every game against the Phoenix Suns, but the team ultimately fell short. Averaging 23.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 7.4 APG in 5 playoff games, Westbrook was fantastic for the Clippers.
In his historic effort on Sunday afternoon, Harden not only joined Westbrook on an exclusive list, but he carried his team to a series-tying victory at home. The Celtics and 76ers will now head back to Boston tied 2-2, and it has been Harden's greatness that has won both games for Philadelphia in this series.
What has been interesting about this series for Harden, is that his dominant games have been followed by rough shooting performances. The 76ers will need him to stay consistent as they head to Boston for Game 5.
Related Articles
Russell Westbrook Opens Up About Friendship With Paul George
Kawhi Leonard Opens Up About Kevin Durant Matchup in Clippers vs. Suns
WATCH: Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant Embrace After Clippers vs. Suns Game 2

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.
Follow joeylinn_