Daily News | Is James Harden the new Ben Simmons? He must reverse course to salvage this Sixers series.
Is it something in the Schuylkill River water? Is he crashing with Nick Castellanos, who disappeared for a year after buying Simmons’ house? Does Doc Rivers secretly teach the Zen of the Jump Pass?Good Lord, I never thought I’d write that sentence. My grammar-check function has now asked me twice if I would like to delete it. I fed the information into an artificial intelligence interface and it refused to engage, citing “Fake News.
Play Embiid less. He was utterly ineffective for stretches in Game 3 because he was literally exhausted four times Friday. Even at peak condition, 39 minutes is probably too much for him. He cannot be expected to be that after missing 10 days. He averaged 34 minutes in the regular season, and played at least 39 minutes just three times in non-overtime games this season. You don’t have the time to play Embiid into shape.
Maybe less P.J. Tucker. He’s a versatile defender but there isn’t an obvious matchup for Tucker with Embiid on the floor. He’s looked out of sorts and he’s been out out of position against Boston’s speed and pace, especially in the half-court offense. This would probably mean more Jalen McDaniels, a light and flighty Lamborghini, or Georges Niang, a smooth-shooting dump truck, or pairing backup center Paul Reed with Joel Embiid.
Stop leaving Al Horford open. Yes, he missed 10 of his 12 threes in the first two games, but he hit five-of-seven in Game 3, and he’s shooting 50% overall. Malcolm Brogdon, who has been the difference in the series, is another issue: he’s a starter in bench clothing, and you can’t expect to shut down a versatile scorer in his prime. But you should be able to defend a player three years beyond his prime like 36-year-old Al Horford.
Again: Leave James Harden alone. He’s 33 years old. He’s been playing basketball in this manner for the last decade. If you’ve ever seen him dress you know that, despite being a superb teammate, he’s a stubborn isolationist. Just hope that he becomes more aggressive, more confident, less gun shy. Because you’re not going to coach him out oftaking shots. “Playoff James” has a history of disappearing on springtime evenings. He’ll play as he pleases. It is who he is.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ben Simmons May Play For Australia At FIBA World CupBen Simmons May Play For Australia At FIBA World Cup - RealGM Wiretap
Read more »
James Harden’s shooting struggles continue in Sixers’ Game 3 loss to Boston CelticsSince exploding for 45 points in a Game 1 victory without Joel Embiid, Harden has gone 5-of-28 from the floor in consecutive Sixers losses.
Read more »
Greg Simmons, former KSAT sportscaster facing DWI charge, appears in court on ZoomThe former sports anchor appeared via Zoom, but his case was reset pending the results of a toxicology report from a blood test.
Read more »
NBA Star James Harden Gave Joel Embiid a Gold Rolex for Winning the Season’s MVP AwardLooks like Joel Embiid's wrist just got a little bit more bling. Thanks to James Harden, the MVP now rocks a gold Rolex Day-Date engraved with a special message. NBA Rolex
Read more »
Sixers lose 114-102 to Boston Celtics in Game 3, exposing their inconsistencies once againEmbiid produced 30 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks after being awarded the MVP. But the Sixers didn't get much else, and James Harden struggled mightily.
Read more »
NBA Playoffs: Celtics ruin Joel Embiid's MVP presentation, stifle James Harden in strong Game 3 winPhiladelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid had a touching moment before Game 3 against the Boston Celtics even started. Embiid received his MVP award prior to the contest, and shed tears as he held his son in his arms while addressing the Philadelphia crowd.
Read more »