While Ben Simmons continues to ramp up his conditioning efforts with the Nets, Harden’s first game as a 76er couldn’t have gone better. The 76ers were also playing faster in transition and making quick decisions, something the team struggled to do prior to Harden’s arrival. The Beard made them pay with triples and great drives, including some four-point plays on his signature stepback shot. Harden was able to do that with ease and the Timberwolves quickly abandoned that approached. The guard was being doubled early and often on screen actions, which forced him to make passes to the far side open man. Harden was easily finding open players, splitting double teams and working well with Joel Embiid, who put up 34 points and 10 rebounds himself. James Harden finished with 27 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds in 35 minutes of action to help the 76ers defeat the Timberwolves 133-102 in what will go down as a successful debut for the shooting guard.
How Harden and Embiid work together will ultimately shape the outcome of the 2021-22 season, starting with Friday’s game against Minnesota. Harden is now reunited with Daryl Morey on a championship-caliber team with a big man in Joel Embiid who is playing the best basketball of his career. Harden said he wanted to go to Philadelphia last year prior to ending up in Brooklyn, but he was able to get to his desired destination after all.
New Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard James Harden will make his team debut Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves as he hopes to finally find his perfect fit on the basketball court.
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