Home

NBA

NBA Twitter Compares James Harden to Ben Simmons After Disastrous Game 6 Performance During 76ers vs Heat

Published 05/12/2022, 10:35 PM EDT

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

The Eastern Conference Semifinals came to an end as the Miami Heat took care of the Philadelphia 76ers. Looking for a glimmer of hope, Philadelphia couldn’t find anyone stepping up. James Harden, who was supposed to be the game-changing signing once again came up short in Game 6. With yet another poor performance by the Beard in the playoffs, fans ripped him for his disastrous playoff run comparing him to former Sixer, Ben Simmons.

When in his element, Harden is one of the leading offensive players in the league. The former MVP shattered multiple scoring records during his time with the Houston Rockets. But over the years, the Beard’s role has changed quite a bit. Since his move to the Nets, he hasn’t been asked to score and has transitioned into a facilitator. But a surprise move to Philly had his demand for scoring go up once again.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

But in the middle of dealing with a hamstring injury, Harden couldn’t help out Joel Embiid like everyone thought he would. And no he is hearing the slander from the fans.

WATCH THIS STORY: How long was Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant out due to his Achilles injury? 

James Harden doesn’t live up to expectations as 76ers take playoff exit

Another game in the playoffs and another forgetful performance from Harden on the big stage. After the 76ers loss in Game 5 against the Miami Heat, they were faced with a must-win situation to force a Game 7. But with all the pressure mounting up on the big stars, Harden collapsed once again. He couldn’t impact the game in anyways and the 76ers lost 90-99.

Moreover, he has been below par in the clutch and fourth-quarter situations. Fans pointed out Ben Simmons scoring 3 points in his last 2 fourth quarters with the Sixers as compared to the Beard’s 0. His lack of production left an injured Embiid with no help as the big man’s championship hopes came crashing down.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Harden couldn’t keep his end of the bargain with his move to the Sixers as he had another poor performance in Philadelphia colors. The Former Nets guard added just 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists to go with 4 turnovers. In addition, Harden took just 9 shots in the must-win game. Embiid did the best with his injuries causing him trouble leading the Sixers with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Maxey joined Embiid as the combined team-high scorer while Shake Milton scored an efficient 15 points.

As for the Heat, Jimmy Butler stepped up once again leading them to their second conference finals in 3 years. He finished the game with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal. Max Struss turned out to be the perfect scoring piece by his side putting up 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Sixth Man Of The Year, Tyler Herro put up 10 points and had the Heat go one step closer to the NBA finals.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

“Michael Jordan Silenced Every Critic and That Is Why He Is the Goat”: Lebron James Fans Triggered as NBA Playoffs Reignite Debate

With so many poor shows in these playoffs, do you think the Sixers regret trading for Harden? Let us know your views in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

2,362Articles

One take at a time

Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
Show More>