The Philadelphia 76ers fanbase had been waiting almost two weeks for this night. They met James Harden in street clothes soon after the trade was finalized and watched two dominant performances on the road. Philly fans have to wait until Wednesday night to see the 76ers newly acquired superstar in person.
Harden, along with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, hosted a packed house party in his Philadelphia home debut, putting up a stat line of 26 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds to lead the 76ers to a 123-108 win over the struggling New York Knicks on Wednesday night.
Beard debut tonight in Philly. How many he dropping? 👀 (via @NBCSPhilly) pic.twitter.com/d3qxRyCMEC
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 3, 2022
The Beard displayed the entire repertoire of what he has to offer to the Sixers.
First, he got his superstar center involved early in the post to start the game off.
James ➡️ Joel pic.twitter.com/J9HTlCeyEg
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 3, 2022
Then after finding his rhythm midway through the first quarter, Harden dropped his first points came with 5:32 mark with a step-through drive to the basket to draw the foul and a free throw.
First bucket of many at the crib. (via @espn) pic.twitter.com/1Xtq0IylIj
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 3, 2022
Then the next time down, the Beard showcased his step-back 3 point shot that NBA fans have grown to love for five fast points at the drop of a hat.
knew it was good the second the ball left his hands. pic.twitter.com/C649T63d2q
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 3, 2022
The Sixers have now moved to 3-0 with Harden in the lineup. His partnership with Embiid (27 points and 12 rebounds) and surprisingly seamless transition with Maxey (25 points, four boards, three dimes) have helped the Sixers emerge as the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference.
The Sixers (38-23) take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (36-26) at home on Friday night.
