James Harden’s 76ers debut: All-Star guard shows up in Game 1 against Timberwolves
James Harden’s debut with the Philadelphia 76ers did not disappoint.
It seemed like forever ago when the blockbuster trade deadline deal was done, with the 76ers sending All-Star guard Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Harden. and Paul Millsapp.
During his introductory press conference in Philadelphia, Harden mentioned it would be “time to go” after the All-Star break and he kept his end of the bargain, set to take the stand against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
His opener exceeded expectations, leading the 76ers to a resounding 133-102 win over the Timberwolves.
If you missed any of the action, we’ve got you covered with live updates, highlights and more from its debut.
MORE: Watch NBA games live with Sling TV (3-day free trial)
James Harden’s 76ers debut: Live stats, score, highlights vs. Timberwolves
Final: 76ers 133, Timberwolves 102
James Harden’s night ended with a packed stat sheet of 27 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds in 35 minutes of play. The Beard was deadly, shooting 7 for 12 from the field, 5 for 7-3 points and 8 for 9 from the free throw line.
He was clicking with Joel Embiid, who continued his monster season with 34 points and 10 rebounds. He also elevated the game of Tyrese Maxey, who scored 28 points on 12-of-16 shooting from the field.
Harden’s debut was a chilling sight for the rest of the Eastern Conference.
SCARY HOURS.
🪙 @Cryptocom pic.twitter.com/TdCMRmqbX1
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 26, 2022
James Harden takes over this game. He buried another one and-a 3 (his second of the game), then knocked down another 3-pointer, then found Tyrese Maxey cutting for an easy layup to help the 76ers extend their lead to 27 points.
🔥 Fear the Beard! 🔥
James Harden reverses his second 4-point game of the evening!
Look at her @sixers debut on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/oz9UCQxdQa pic.twitter.com/stvALGlKs8
—NBA (@NBA) February 26, 2022
Harden is at 27 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds on the night.
End of third quarter: 76ers 92, Timberwolves 74
A late flurry from Anthony Edwards cut Philadelphia’s lead, but the 76ers are still in control. James Harden orchestrated the offense to perfection, totaling 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds in three quarters.
He found Joel Embiid running with him for his final assist.
James Harden attributes it to Joel Embiid who spins in the middle of the ground for his 9th assist of the evening!
the @sixers are live on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/ksZ27WgfCO pic.twitter.com/pVdszp2TqW
—NBA (@NBA) February 26, 2022
James Harden has his step back to 3 balls tonight. Dangerous.
James Harden (20 PTS) gets in his bag and drains a step-back three 🎯
Watch now on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/oz9UCQxdQa pic.twitter.com/2zJPji3uKD
—NBA (@NBA) February 26, 2022
Halftime: 76ers 65, Timberwolves 49
James Harden has the 76ers ahead in the first half, having 17 points, five assists and three rebounds so far in his debut.
Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill likes what he’s seen so far.
The Sixers look great!
— Sweet Mill (@MeekMill) February 26, 2022
Here’s the first James Harden-Joel Embiid connection you’ve probably been looking for.
Harden ➡ Embiid
James Harden (12 PTS) finds Joel Embiid (14 PTS) in the racket for the and 1 lay-up.
Watch the @sixers on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/oz9UCQxdQa pic.twitter.com/XSzGm8vEHv
—NBA (@NBA) February 26, 2022
James Harden has the offensive groove of the 76ers. He just pushed the pace on the fast break and found Tyrese Maxey running alongside him for an easy lay-up. Harden has nine points, three assists and three boards as Philadelphia leads the Timberwolves 47-36 with 6:28 left in the first half.
no one is safe. 🤯@JHarden13 ➡️ @TyreseMaxey pic.twitter.com/zKomQNo5rb
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 26, 2022
James Harden and Tobias Harris are starting to find a rhythm together. First, Harris found Harden fading into the corner for an open 3…
Harden’s large base drift. Again, if this is the move the Sixers are going to get from the normally very stationary Harden, it’s big. pic.twitter.com/WMfAIPSxti
— Mo Dakhil (@MoDakhil_NBA) February 26, 2022
…then Harden returned the favor and kicked an open Harris to the perimeter for 3.
Harden creates an open look for Harris 🤝 pic.twitter.com/AQMJKGTfvm
— NBA Television (@NBATV) February 26, 2022
End of the first quarter: 76ers 34, Timberwolves 25
The 76ers fired on all cylinders at the start of the James Harden era. Harden had five points and an assist in the first quarter, but Joel Embiid continued his typical dominance. The MVP candidate has 10 points (8-8 FT) and six rebounds during the first frame.
James Harden uses his field vision to catch the sleeping Timberwolves defense, finding Tobias Harris for an open 3-pointer.
James Harden is chasing his first bucket as a member of the @sixers with his first assist for Tobias Harris!
Watch now on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/oz9UCQxdQa pic.twitter.com/ZptY5Y0q3G
—NBA (@NBA) February 26, 2022
And James Harden is on set! His first bucket as a 76er is a tough finish and one in traffic. The 76ers lead 16-6 with 6:51 left in the first quarter.
the Harden era has begun! pic.twitter.com/n7eSzHxJyH
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 26, 2022
Pregame
The 76ers will start James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid.
tonight is the starting five:
• @MatisseThybulle
• @Tobias31
• @JoelEmbiid
• @JHarden13
• @TyreseMaxey🏀@RothmanOrtho pic.twitter.com/wO6XhGRTpH
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 26, 2022
The Beard is in the building.
The beard is here. 📍
👟@Snipes_USA pic.twitter.com/1GIGVYyQBc
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 25, 2022
Get ready…it’s almost time.
hell yeah. pic.twitter.com/QMmjmjOMJn
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 25, 2022
76ers upcoming schedule
Dated | Opponent | Time (ET) | National television |
February 25 | at Timberwolves | 20:00 | – |
February 27 | at Knicks | 1:00 p.m. | ABC |
March 2 | against the Knicks | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
March 4 | against Cavaliers | 7:00 p.m. | – |
March 5 | in the heat | 20:00 | – |
Comments are closed.