James Harden, Joel Embiid Light Up Twitter on Christmas as 76ers Roll Past Knicks
Dec 25, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks to the bench during the first quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
The NBA's hottest team resides in Philadelphia.
Joel Embiid had 35 points and James Harden added a 29-point, 13-assist double-double as the 76ers came from behind to earn a 119-112 win over the New York Knicks on Christmas Day at Madison Square Garden.
The Sixers have reeled off eight straight wins, tied with the Brooklyn Nets for the longest streak in the NBA.
FINAL: Sixers 119, Knicks 112.
The first quarter was horrific. The second was up-and-down. The third and fourth were remarkable.
The Sixers win on Christmas Day thanks to utter dominance from both Joel Embiid and James Harden.
I get the Sixers still have a ways to go to prove themselves as true contenders but BY FAR the biggest takeaway from the winning streak has been James Harden and Joel Embiid flourishing on the court together
Sunday's Christmas matinee did not start the way Philly hoped, as the Knicks got off to a red-hot start and led by as many as 14 points in the first half. Embiid sleepwalked through a quiet first quarter before finally turning it on late in the second, scoring seven points in the final two minutes, nine seconds to help the Sixers pull within three at the break.
The margin closed to one by the end of the third quarter, with Harden taking on a starring role thanks to a series of jaw-dropping threes. His 29 points were his most in more than two months, while his five threes tied a season high.
Sixers' defense has been disgusting today but Embiid and Harden have been about as good as they can possibly play on offense for last quarter and a half
Dreadful over the first three quarters, the Philadelphia defense finally locked in during the fourth, limiting the Knicks to just 16 points.
New York has dropped three straight since its own eight-game winning streak. The Knicks are now just 0.5 games from dropping back into the play-in picture.
The Sixers (20-12) would be the East's No. 5 seed if the season ended today.
Joel Embiid's Brilliance Loved by NBA Twitter as 76ers Beat Steph Curry-Less Warriors
Dec 17, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 16: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 16, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers won their fourth straight game with a 118-106 victory over the Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors on Friday at Wells Fargo Center.
Jordan Poole's 29-point night wasn't enough for the Warriors as the duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden took over down the stretch.
Embiid finished with 34 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks in 36 minutes. He made 11-of-23 shots from the floor and 2-of-3 shots from deep. It was his sixth straight game with 30-plus points.
Harden, meanwhile, finished with 27 points, nine assists and five rebounds in 37 minutes, making 8-of-15 shots from the floor and 4-of-8 shots from behind the arc.
NBA Twitter was quick to praise the veteran big man for his performance against the reigning champions:
Really nice dynamic between Embiid and Harden tonight. Kuminga took Harden to try to contain the ball, and Harden quickly tossed ball-handling duties to Embiid, who has taken the rock down the floor himself the last few trips and gotten the Sixers good looks.
When Embiid plays this well, the Sixers can compete with any team in the NBA. Come the end of the season, the big man might very well be MVP for the first time after finishing second to Nikola Jokić in 2021-22.
The Sixers moved to 16-12 with the win. They'll be back in action at home Monday against the Toronto Raptors.
76ers' James Harden Addresses Close-Out Game Struggles: 'Only So Much I Can Do'
Dec 16, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 13: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Wells Fargo Center on December 13, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
James Harden is one of the best players of his generation, but he is missing a championship from his resume in part because of struggles during close-out games in the postseason.
He discussed the topic during an interview with Yaron Weitzman of Fox Sports.
"I've had a few bad games in close-out games. Not all of them have been bad," he said. "Quite frankly, a lot of the times our team wasn't good enough to compete for championships, if you want to be honest.
"There's only so much I can do."
There is no doubt the Philadelphia 76ers guard is a future Hall of Famer.
His list of accomplishments includes the 2017-18 MVP, three scoring titles, an assist title, seven All-NBA selections, 10 All-Star Game nods, a Sixth Man of the Year and a spot on the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.
However, some of his contemporaries such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard and others have incredible resumes that also include at least one championship.
The only time Harden even made the NBA Finals was during the 2011-12 campaign when he came off the bench for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
His Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers teams, in which he had a much larger role, all fell short during the playoffs to this point.
Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey delved into some of Harden's close-out game struggles after he went an ugly 4-of-9 from the field and attempted a mere two shots after halftime when the 76ers were eliminated by the Miami Heat in the second round of last season's playoffs.
In addition to pointing out he has shot just 40 percent from the field and 25.3 percent from deep in the last nine elimination games, Bailey noted "some of his single-outing stinkers in that sample are hard to forget."
He was 2-of-11 from the field with 12 turnovers in a 2015 loss to the Golden State Warriors and also went 2-of-11 from the field two two years later in an elimination loss to the San Antonio Spurs when he was in Houston.
Perhaps he can change the narrative this season on a 76ers team that is sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings and will be in championship-or-bust mode with the Harden and Joel Embiid combination.
Unless he does, the close-out struggles will always be a part of his narrative.
76ers' James Harden Says Nets Had 'No Structure' During His Time in Brooklyn
Dec 16, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 13: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 13, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard James Harden gave some insight into why things didn't work out between him and the Brooklyn Nets.
Speaking to Yaron Weitzman of Fox Sports, Harden suggested that he struggled to adapt to a lack of structure within the team: "I don't mean to, like, just down talk to anybody or whatever. It was just, there was no structure and even superstars, they need structure. That's what allows us to be the best players and leaders for our respective organizations."
Harden was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Nets early in the 2020-21 season, with Brooklyn hoping he would be able to form a superteam with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Instead, injuries and inconsistency led to a second-round playoff exit for the Nets that year, and Harden was then traded to the Sixers just prior to the deadline last season for a package headlined by guard Ben Simmons.
Following the trade, the Nets continued to struggle and were swept out of the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics, while Harden and the Sixers lost to the Miami Heat in the second round.
The Nets were on the brink of collapse during the offseason when Durant requested a trade and Irving had the right to opt out of the final year of his contract, but both decided to return for the 2022-23 campaign, and it has worked out well for Brooklyn to the tune of a 17-12 record.
Harden referenced Durant's trade request in the interview with Weitzman, perhaps suggesting that issues within the organization prompted KD to want to leave as well:
"I just feel like, internally, things weren't what I expected when I was trying to get traded there. I think everybody knows that. And I knew people were going to talk and say, 'You quit' and all that stuff, but then the following summer, the other superstar there [Durant] wanted to leave. So it's like: Am I still the quitter?"
A perceived lack of structure may have fallen on the shoulders of head coach Steve Nash, who was given the job in 2020 despite having no previous coaching experience.
The hope was that the two-time NBA MVP would be able to communicate well with star players like Durant, Irving and eventually Harden, but the experiment didn't work out, and Nash was fired in November and replaced by Jacque Vaughn.
While the Nets seem to be finding their stride, there are still major question marks surrounding the Sixers.
Despite being viewed as a top contender in the Eastern Conference entering the season, the 76ers are just 15-12, placing them fifth in the East.
Games missed by key players like Harden, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid have undoubtedly played a role in Philly not playing to its potential, but it is also fair to wonder if Doc Rivers is the right answer at head coach.
Although Rivers is an NBA champion head coach who has rarely been accused of lacking structure, Harden may be running into some similar issues to those he experienced with the Nets under Nash.
76ers' James Harden Says Past 2 Years of NBA Career Were 'Low Point'
Dec 16, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 13: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Wells Fargo Center on December 13, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
James Harden is in a good place right now, but the former NBA MVP was emotionally and physically drained from the previous two seasons.
Speaking to Yaron Weitzman of Fox Sports, Harden called the past two years "a low point" in his career.
"I've never really had to deal with something like that," he added. "My body, mentally, physically … It was a lot going on. I mean, basketball is everything to me."
One of Harden's friends told Yeitzman the 10-time All-Star was "broken" after the Philadelphia 76ers' playoff loss to the Miami Heat.
Harden was acquired by the Sixers in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets prior to the trade deadline. There was hope that pairing him with Joel Embiid would give Philadelphia a spark to advance past the second round of the postseason for the first time since reaching the NBA Finals during the 2000-01 season.
Instead, the loss to Miami became the latest in a long line of playoff disappointments for Harden. He only scored 11 points and took nine shots in a 99-90 loss in Game 6 that clinched the series for the Heat.
The previous two seasons were certainly a whirlwind for Harden. He began the 2020-21 campaign asking for a trade from the Houston Rockets, but it took them until three weeks into the regular season to deal him to the Nets in a four-team deal.
Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were expected to be one of the most dynamic trios in the NBA. They were only able to play in 16 games together because of injuries and health and safety protocols.
A hamstring injury kept Harden out for three games in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks. He attempted to play through the issue, but he only averaged 14.3 points on 30.6 percent shooting in the final three games of the series for the Nets.
Things took a turn for the Nets last season, with Harden and Irving not seeing eye to eye on things. The 33-year-old ultimately wound up in Philadelphia, reuniting with Daryl Morey after their time together with the Rockets.
Harden is still rounding into form after missing 14 games with a tendon strain in his right foot. He is averaging 22.1 points, 10.8 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game in 13 starts. The star point guard has posted double-doubles in each of his past three games.
Joel Embiid Says Some 76ers Fans Want Him Traded: 'I Do Believe That'
Dec 14, 2022
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 05: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on December 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Despite his dominance in recent seasons, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid feels that some Sixers fans would like for him to be traded.
When speaking to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Embiid said: "I don't know. Sixers fans, they want to trade me."
When asked if he truly believes that to be the case, Embiid responded: "I do believe that. They want to trade me."
Embiid would yield quite a trade package, as he is averaging a career-high 33.3 points per game, is trending toward his sixth consecutive All-Star selection and is in the mix to win his first NBA MVP award.
Since missing the first two seasons of his NBA career because of injury, Embiid has been a force and arguably the best all-around big man in the league.
He reached new heights last season when he won his first scoring title by averaging 30.6 points per game to go along with 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 blocks, 1.4 three-pointers made and 1.1 steals. By virtue of those numbers, Embiid finished second to Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić in the NBA MVP voting.
While the Sixers have been unable to get past the second round of the playoffs during Embiid's tenure, expectations were sky-high entering the 2022-23 season because of the re-signing of James Harden, the progression of Tyrese Maxey and the acquisition of supporting cast members such as De'Anthony Melton, Danuel House Jr., Montrezl Harrell and P.J. Tucker.
Despite that, the 76ers are off to an uneven 15-12 start, although that is still good for fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Embiid has undoubtedly been the driving force behind any success the Sixers have had this season thanks to his averages of 33.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.6 blocks, 1.1 three-pointers made and 1.1 steals per game.
While Philadelphia sports fans are notorious for being tough on their teams and players at times, Fischer assured Embiid that no logical Sixers fans truly want him to be traded.
Fischer suggested it is more likely that fans would like to see other moves made, including the potential firing of head coach Doc Rivers, who has received the brunt of the criticism for the team's shortcomings in recent years.
Ultimately, Embiid noted that he is "grateful" to be a franchise player in Philadelphia even though it isn't necessarily the easiest position to be in.
Players like Harden, Maxey and Tobias Harris are going to play big roles if the Sixers go on a deep playoff run and potentially even contend for a championship this season, but there is little doubt that Embiid will be the biggest factor in whatever they achieve.
76ers' Joel Embiid Touted as 'Outrageously Good' in 53-Point Performance vs. Hornets
Dec 12, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 11: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks past Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Charlotte Hornets during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center on December 11, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid dropped 53 points on 20-of-32 shooting alongside 12 rebounds to lead his team to a 131-113 home win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.
Embiid, who has now averaged 41.3 points in his last four games, also made all 11 of his free throws. He scored 20 points in the second quarter alone en route to 28 at the half.
Sunday marked the second time Embiid scored 50 or more this season. He previously scored 59 points in a 105-98 win over the Utah Jazz on Nov. 13.
In addition, his 33.9 points per game leads the NBA.
Twitter raved about Embiid's tremendous night, which vaulted the 14-12 76ers to fifth in the Eastern Conference.
FINAL: Sixers 131, Hornets 113.
Joel Embiid was outrageously good... again. 53 points and 12 boards for him on the night in just 34 minutes.
This is Joel Embiid’s 100th 30 point /10 rebound game. He’s the fastest to that 30/10 ppl mark (346 games), since stats became official in 1981. Shaq was quickest at 349. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/zNudXaTM1D
An effortlessly dominant performance for Joel Embiid, who dropped 53 and probably could have gone for more if this game was at all competitive late. Ridiculous game https://t.co/ve6fUfNTZo
Philadelphia will now host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.
De'Anthony Melton Shocks NBA Twitter with 33 Points as Joel Embiid, 76ers Beat Lakers
Dec 10, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 09: De'Anthony Melton #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Wells Fargo Center on December 09, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid was typically awesome on Friday night. But it was a star turn from De'Anthony Melton, of all people, who helped spur the Philadelphia 76ers to victory.
Melton went off for 33 points and seven steals, hitting eight three-pointers in the Sixers' 133-122 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
That spoiled the return to the starting lineup for the trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Patrick Beverley.
Joel Embiid added a game-high 38 points to go along with 12 rebounds and five assists in the win. Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 31 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks.
But that's what Embiid—who had as many points by himself in the first quarter (20) as the entire Lakers team—does with some regularity. Melton's huge night, on the other hand, was unexpected.
And it had NBA Twitter shook:
De'Anthony Melton has been incredible tonight, both ends.
The Sixers needed every bit of Melton's shot-making and defense in a game that looked as though it would be comfortable before unraveling into disarray.
Philly led by as many as 18 points with about 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Lakers chipped away at that lead, pulling to within three points when Matisse Thybulle inexplicably fouled Austin Reaves during a three-point attempt with just nine seconds remaining.
Reaves promptly hit two of his three free throws, but the Sixers turned over the ensuing inbounds pass and Anthony Davis was fouled.
🤯 The clutch steal by Anthony Davis to send the game OT!
Davis then missed one of his two free-throw attempts and the game went to overtime, where the Sixers outscored the Lakers 13-2 to secure a game they probably should have easily won in regulation.
But a win's a win. And it wouldn't have happened without Melton's immense performance.
Woj: 76ers' Tyrese Maxey Should Return from Foot Injury Before Christmas
Dec 9, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after an injury against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey is expected to return from his foot injury before Christmas, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Friday on NBA Today.
Wojnarowski reported on Nov. 19 that Maxey would miss at least three to four weeks with a fracture in his left foot suffered in a Nov. 18 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Maxey suffered the injury when he landed awkwardly on his foot while being fouled. He went on to take his two free throws but exited the game after that and did not return.
On Wednesday, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers provided an update, noting that the 22-year-old still has some work to do in order to return to the court. He said, via Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire:
"Today he ran. Still not jumping though which is a concern, but today he ran. He did not sprint, but he did run up and down the floor. He's not been able to do that. I guess the only concerning thing is he's not been able to jump yet so that would mean he's a ways away, to say the least."
If Maxey returns closer to the longer side of his three-to-four week timeline, he could be back sometime around Dec. 17. The Sixers will face the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 16 before facing the Toronto Raptors three days later.
Maxey's injury was a tough blow to the 76ers. With the Kentucky product sidelined, the team has gone 4-5, including a three-game losing streak that began with a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 30.
However, Philadelphia struggled even with Maxey in the lineup, going 8-7 to begin the year.
He was having best season, averaging 22.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 15 games while shooting 46.2 percent from the floor and 42.2 percent from deep.
The eighth-place 76ers (12-12) will need Maxey healthy if they hope to better their position in a tough Eastern Conference. That said, they aren't too far from contending for fourth place in the East, which is owned by the 14-12 Brooklyn Nets.
