The Houston Rockets are in Philadelphia for Game 2 of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs. Harden is enjoying a night out in his city, but he can’t escape one particular fan who has seen him partying too much this season and it isn’t Philly faithful.
The addition of James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers altered the franchise’s focus to strong NBA championship hopes. The great point guard is one of the game’s best players, making his combo with Joel Embiid a promising one that might lead the 76ers to glory.
Last week, Philadelphia failed to pass their first major test against the Brooklyn Nets, with Harden putting in a poor showing. After the game, though, the 10-time All-antics Star’s prompted Stephen A. Smith to issue a strong warning.
In the 76ers’ blowout defeat against the Nets, James Harden struggles.
Jame Harden, a guard with the Philadelphia 76ers, dribbles the ball up the floor. | Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Last Thursday’s showdown had been highlighted on the calendar since the Nets and 76ers made the blockbuster transaction that brought James Harden to Philadelphia and Ben Simmons to Brooklyn.
The competition was the first time the teams had met after the huge relocation. Despite the fact that Simmons did not play, his presence set the tone, as the 76ers faithful booed him mercilessly. The atmosphere before the game suggested a possible playoff meeting.
However, despite a scorching first-quarter start, the Nets swiftly deflated the arena, setting the tone for a 129-100 defeat. Philadelphia’s defense was helpless, and their attack couldn’t match Brooklyn’s balanced scoring. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Seth Curry all scored in the 20s, for a total of 71 points.
With 27 points and 12 rebounds, Joel Embiid had a terrific double-double performance, but Harden struggled in the limelight. He only scored 11 points on 3-of-17 shooting and had four turnovers to five assists. The star guard was a non-factor throughout the game, and he bears a large share of the responsibility for the blowout defeat.
In addition, his antics after the game drew the notice of Stephen A. Smith, who issued a severe warning.
James Harden is warned by Stephen A. Smith about partying in Philadelphia.
.@stephenasmith to James Harden after his performance against the Nets:
“I know this city. … When you played like you played the other night, you cannot be seen out partying that night like it meant no big deal to you.” pic.twitter.com/hoP3pp9Mbg
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 13, 2022
Harden didn’t let the painful defeat deter him from partaking in the nightlife, as he allegedly attended a birthday party with rappers Lil Baby and Travis Scott on Thursday night.
Harden’s actions are unsurprising given his off-court penchant for partying. Stephen A. Smith, who formerly covered the 76ers for the Philadelphia Inquirer for more than a decade, sent a stern message to the 10-time All-Star.
“I’m familiar with the area. On ESPN’s NBA Countdown on Sunday, Smith stated, “They adore you.” “They understand that you are not Ben Simmons, but make no mistake, when you perform like you did the other night, you cannot be seen out partying like it was no big thing to you because it was a huge deal to the city, and be cautious, James Harden, be very, very careful.”
The 76ers have one of the fiercest fan groups in the NBA, with fans who aren’t afraid to boo or holler at their own players. If the club continues to struggle in crucial games, particularly in the playoffs, die-hard supporters will not be afraid to express their genuine sentiments about Harden during home games.
Things are still in the early stages, but if the 76ers don’t take care of business on the floor, Harden might face a barrage of boos and more.
The 76ers must compete for an NBA championship.
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Although James Harden is allowed to do whatever he wants off the court, Smith’s comments highlight the 76ers’ increasing championship pressure.
In addition to Embiid, Philadelphia now has another bona fide star player who can give top offensive performance. The impressive regular-season stats are appealing, but the fans want a squad that can compete for an NBA championship rather than another early playoff exit.
Harden won’t have much time to develop good chemistry with his new teammates, but his presence raises the stakes. He and Embiid are unquestionably capable of leading the team to a lengthy postseason run.
It will take time to see whether the duo has what it takes to lead the 76ers to their ultimate objective.
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