James Harden took Pacers’ offensive game plan personally in Sixers 129-126 overtime win on Wednesday night
The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night 129-126 in overtime without Joel Embiid in the lineup.
Without Embiid, James Harden dropped 26 points, eight assists, and five rebounds on the heads of the Indiana Pacers to lead the Sixers in a well-rounded offensive effort.
De’Anthony Melton scored 19 points with six rebounds. Tobias Harris notched a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Tyrese Maxey scored 17 points with six assists and ZERO turnovers. Shake Milton scored 13 points and Georges Niang finished the night with 11 points.
Montrezl Harrell stole the show offensively on Wednesday night scoring 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the floor with four blocks and five rebounds. Defensively, James Harden an unlikely hero on that side of the court, turned out to be the biggest key to the game for the Sixers.
Harden was switched onto Tyrese Haliburton and kept the young Pacers star in check. Haliburton scored just two points in the fourth quarter and overtime and Harden was the main reason why.
James Harden Key Defensive Stats vs Pacers
- 33.3 DFG% (7-21 FGA)
- 2 BLK
- 1 STL
- Mathurin (0-3 FG)
- Hield (1-6 FG)
- Nesmith (1-4 FG)
After the game, Harden spoke with reporters and let everyone know that he took it personally when the Pacers decided to target him on defense.
“For sure,” said Harden. “They got me one time, but if a guy is up there dribbling the ball 15 times, I feel like I’m on an island so I just had to man up and get some stops. I think I did a solid job.” via SixersWire
Harden then topped it off with a huge defensive play late in overtime after missing two free throws by blocking Pacers’ rookie Bennedict Mathurin that helped seal the game.
James Harden Block
“I had to make up for it,” Harden said. “Uncharacteristic. I missed two free throws. I had to make a stop and try and I tried to make a play on the ball, but they play extremely fast. I know they’re the number one paced team in the league, but out there playing against them, there’s no time off. There’s no relax, breaks, or anything.” via SixersWire
The Sixers are back in action tonight against the Chicago Bulls. Joel Embiid will miss his second straight game with left foot soreness. Read more about that here.
Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images | USA Today - SixersWire
