The Philadelphia 76ers have been on a roll recently. Currently, the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference, fans believe the team has a great shot at the title, thanks to Joel Embiid and James Harden. Along with the Cameroonian center’s MVP performance every night, Harden has been playing a crucial role with his playmaking ability. However, there is something more than the above contribution that is helping the team win, according to an NBA head coach.

The head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who suffered a loss to Philadelphia yesterday, revealed a manipulative strategy that the Sixers duo uses to win matches. However, the NBA buffs do not seem to approve of it as they continue to throw shade at the 44-year-old head coach.?

James Harden and Joel Embiid allegedly play with the officials’ minds

J. B. Bickerstaff, during his tenure with Houston Rockets, learned something about the Sixers guard. Working as the assistant coach for four years and later as the interim head coach for a year, Bickerstaff has spent enough time with James Harden to understand his game. In their run in the 2015-16 season, Harden and Bickerstaff had a regular season record of 41-41, only to lose 4-1 to the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.?

The Philadelphia 76ers, after their 9-point win against the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday, extended their winning streak to six. The team is a few games away from clinching a playoff spot, leaving high hopes for their fans. After the loss to the Sixers, Cavs head coach Bickerstaff talked about the manipulative strategies used by the Sixers duo.?

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The 44-year-old mentioned,?“They’re phenomenal basketball players and they know how to play within the rules. I was with James for four years in Houston, and he is a master in manipulating the rules, and Joel does the same.”?The coach further added, “So you have to be extremely disciplined, but even then they find a way to create that contact and draw a foul.”

Fans throw shade at J.B. Bickerstaff after he takes a loss

Though Harden and Embiid shot 12 and 10 free throws respectively in their game against the Cavaliers, fans believe it is a part of the game. Moreover, they also consider the above to happen on a day-to-day basis in all the games. Here are some of the fans’ reactions throwing shade at the Cavs head coach for calling out the Sixers duo:

https://twitter.com/letseat_nate/status/1636394218347216896?s=20

With the Playoffs fast approaching, the 76ers seem to be in a good position. With their star duo performing on a nightly basis, teams will certainly be wary of them. The huge win over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks a few days ago really solidified Philly as one of the contenders this season.

Read more: Joel Embiid Channeled His Inner LeBron James During Historic 59 Point Performance vs Jazz

What are your thoughts on Bickerstaff’s take? Share in the comments below.