In The Wake Of Game 3’s Debacle, Joel Embiid Offers Teammate James Harden Some Advice

Joel Embiid was given the NBA MVP title for 2023 on Friday, but the 76ers were unable to successfully end the night as Boston defeated them 114-102. James Harden once again had trouble, scoring just 16 points on 3-for-14 shooting from the field while Embiid put up 30 points and 13 rebounds.

In The Wake Of Game 3’s Debacle, Joel Embiid Offers Teammate James Harden Some Advice

Harden struggled once again, scoring only 12 points on 2-for-14 shooting in Game 2. The two subpar performances corresponded with Philadelphia’s first two postseason defeats. They came after Embiid sat out of Monday’s Game 1 and Harden led the club to victory with 45 points.

“I mean, you just talk to him and you keep telling him to keep shooting. Be aggressive. Can’t get too high, can’t get too low. Some nights you’re going to make lots of other shots, a lot of tough ones, and some nights you’re not going to make them. So it’s about finding other ways to impact the game,” said Embiid as quoted by ESPN.

Given Harden’s difficulties, it would appear like Embiid was criticizing the former MVP in his remarks. However, Embiid acknowledged responsibility for his actions and said that other players are capable of playing at a greater level.

Harden has struggled in games 2 and 3 after a stellar effort in the 76ers’ victory in game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Harden shot 2-for-14 in game 2 on Wednesday night, then 3-for-14 in game 3 on Friday. By Harden’s standards, 5-for-28 shooting over the past two games is well below par.

Malcolm Brogdon, a player for the Boston Celtics, emphasized the Harden strategy that helped his team take the lead after losing game 1.

“We’re purposefully making it hard on him. He came out in Game 1 and won them that game and played terrific. We don’t want him to play like that anymore, so we got to be as physical as we can with him. Force him into tough shots, make him uncomfortable and really learn to compete, said Brogdon as quoted by ESPN.

In advance of game 4 on Sunday, Embiid discussed what the 76ers must do to stop the Celtics from winning their third straight game.

“I think players have to show up. I got to do my job. All the guys, everybody knows their role, they have to do their job. Players have to show up. Obviously, you can make any adjustments you want. But if the players don’t execute, they don’t show up and we don’t make shots, that’s on us, said Embiid.

Although Harden may not be the same player he was when he was the Rockets’ premier player, he must still play well with Embiid for the Sixers to have any chance of going far in the playoffs. Harden is under even more pressure to get things back on track fast since Embiid is still nursing a knee issue.

 

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