
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 27, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) and center Joel Embiid (21) greet each other after the New York Knicks call a timeout in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 27, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) and center Joel Embiid (21) greet each other after the New York Knicks call a timeout in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia 76ers have burst right through with their new duo. James Harden and Joel Embiid have both led the Sixers with success so far. Likewise, they did not falter from their job when facing off against the Los Angeles Clippers. However, it seems Clippers coach Ty Lue was not impressed as he ripped through the duo for being among the top scorers.
The Harden-Embiid duo has worked wonders for the Sixers so far. Their dynamic has favored each other’s game perfectly, and they have thrived together. Both stars are dominant scorers in their own way and rank amongst the best in the league. Going against the Clippers, the duo yet again went on a scoring tear. However, Ty Lue had a controversial take.
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He said both James Harden and Joel Embiid would not be leading scorers if their free throws were taken away.
Ty Lue speaks out against Joel Embiid and James Harden
The Clippers suffered a 25 point loss to the Sixers in their recent matchup. Embiid and the Beard went off combining for 56 points. But like many other times, most of their points came through free throws. And Ty Lue did not hold back on his honest take on the Philly duo.
He said: “Embiid is #1 in the league in free throws and James Harden is #3. You take away their free throws and neither guy would be top-10 in scoring.”
Ty Lue: “Embiid is #1 in the league in free throws and James Harden is #3. You take away their free throws and neither guy would be top-10 in scoring.”
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 26, 2022
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Harden and Embiid have been leading the league in free throws over the past couple of seasons. This year is no different. Embiid is one of the leading scorers with an average of nearly 12 free throws per game. With LeBron putting up 30 a game, he doesn’t get nearly as many free throws averaging just 6.
As for Harden, he also goes to the line a lot as he went 11 times in the matchup against Lue’s Clippers as well. But that isn’t a bad part. While it isn’t the prettiest way to score, getting to the free-throw line is a skill. Embiid’s size makes him unstoppable and tough to guard. In addition, he has the skills to support his skill.
On the other hand, Harden is crafty and knows how to get to his spot. While it may not seem fair, it comes to being a part of basketball. However, on some occasions, the calls come off as unjust.
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With the way they have played, do you think Embiid and James Harden are overly dependent on free throws?
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