The Philadelphia 76ers played their first game with their recently formed NBA superstar duo with James Harden and Joel Embiid. The early return? A 133-102 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves during the Friday slate of action.
Both Harden and Embiid showcased what makes them such a tough tandem to contain in their performances. Embiid racked up 34 points and 10 rebounds in 31 minutes with a pair of made triples. As for Harden, he totaled 27 points, eight rebounds, and 12 assists in 35 minutes.
There was a clear emphasis from the Timberwolves to load up on Harden in ball screens and the occasional DHO, which opened up passing opportunities for him to take advantage with Embiid being a common beneficiary.
“You should’ve seen my face every single time, especially in the fourth,” Embiid told NBC Sports after the game. “The first three quarters obviously making plays for all of us.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Harden, Embiid Explain How New Sixers Superstar Duo Will Work
“That was probably the most wide-open I’ve ever been in my career. I had a lot of easy baskets.
“I used to have to work for everything but in the fourth quarter the shot-making ability and shot creation, you should’ve seen my face.
“I’ve never had this. Nothing close to it. Hopefully, it continues. We didn’t even play our best. I think we can be way better than that.”
Harden was able to play more within the flow for simpler looks, too. The Sixers involved him in DHOs where he begins the possession off-ball to involve him and Joel Embiid directly in addition to just running high ball screens. It forced the defense to pick their poison and Philadelphia’s talent took advantage.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Harden, Embiid Explain How New Sixers Superstar Duo Will Work
“Easy shot after easy shot. You’ve just got to be winning shooters. That’s what we were tonight,” Embiid added.
“[Harden] attracts a lot of attention. When you’ve two guys on the floor who do that, me and him, it becomes a little easier for everybody else. it’s on everyone else to just make shots.”
LATEST NBA NEWS: Harden, Embiid Explain How New Sixers Superstar Duo Will Work
The step-back three-pointers that James Harden has become so lethal taking over the years were on full display in his Philadelphia 76ers debut. Against switches, he made the Minnesota Timberwolves pay repeatedly, and now, the Sixers have the long-sought-after shot creation threat they’ve lacked.
