Joel Embiid enjoyed his first taste of the James Harden era Friday night. “That was probably the most wide open I’ve ever been in my career. I had a lot of easy baskets. I used to have to work for everything,” Embiid said.
The differences between Harden and new Brooklyn Net Ben Simmons were apparent throughout Embiid’s answer and throughout the All-Star guard’s 27-point, 12-assist, eight-rebound debut game.
Of course, Simmons has been a vastly superior defender to Harden and possesses unique skills for a 6-foot-10 player. But for four seasons, the Sixers had to consider the best methods to minimize the awkwardness inherent with the 25-year-old’s offensive weaknesses, including which lineup combinations couldn't work because of insufficient shooting and how the team should attack that familiar cushion when Simmons handled the ball.
Like with Embiid, so much of Maxey’s success felt natural and obvious. Sprint ahead of the pack, accept Harden’s pass, lay it in. Make reasonable decisions, pressure the defense, and benefit from stars being stars. What should be comforting for the Sixers, however, is they now have the offensive firepower to shrug off a little bad luck. As Simmons hoped for a trade, Embiid acknowledged that wasn't the case.“ … Obviously this year, we’ve had so much going on, missing our second-best player,” Embiid said last month. “It’s been a lot to do. I love it. I love the challenge, and my teammates have been there for me. I love the challenge and it’s up to to figure it out.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
James Harden, Joel Embiid dominate for Sixers in biggest Philly debut since Roy Halladay | Marcus HayesThe Beard, sleek and trim, shined with 27 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds in the biggest debut Philly since Doc Halladay and T.O. Ben Simmons remains inactive for the Brooklyn Nets.
Read more »
James Harden Era with the Sixers begins Friday after a brief delayThe team was cautious with him as he recovered from a hamstring injury. Harden is second in the league is assists at 10.2 per game while averaging 22.5 points.
Read more »
James Harden set to make 76ers debut on Friday vs. TimberwolvesThe James Harden era in Philadelphia is set to officially begin.
Read more »
You can stop asking if James Harden is playing tonight | cartoonAt the moment, there is a lot of love for Harden and his “perfect” Philly beard.
Read more »
Harden makes 76ers debut in blowout win over TimberwolvesJames Harden had 27 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds in his 76ers debut, Joel Embiid added 34 points and 10 rebounds and Philadelphia routed the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-102 on Friday night.
Read more »