CAMDEN, NJ James Harden opened the 2022–23 season by tallying his highest point total during the brief time he spent playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. He scored 35 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out seven assists against the Boston Celtics as the Sixers dropped their season opener. It appeared to be a welcome surprise for Harden before a season in which his skills will be closely scrutinised. Tyrese Maxey, though, seemed unsurprised.
Maxey stated following the Sixers’ pregame shootaround that he was not surprised by Harden’s outstanding performance on opening night.
James Harden is him. I wouldn’t say that I was shocked. Maxey remarked, “I know what he’s capable of. I’ve seen it all before—on television, in real life, and elsewhere. So, except from when he made the shot while leaning, I wasn’t surprised. Okay, he’s just doing everything out here, I thought. He was superb.
James Harden drilled a crazy 3-pointer en route to a monster first half
22 points
3 rebounds
4 assists5-of-9 FG
4-of-7 3PT
8-of-8 FTpic.twitter.com/oFZcuZIQYX— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) October 19, 2022
Harden put on a rather classic effort in which he dominated the stat sheet and handled the ball for far longer than any other player. The fact that he had the ball in his hands so much may not have been on purpose, but Harden showed that he is still capable of dominating with an iso-heavy performance by taking the offensive lead, albeit perhaps not in the same way as he did with the Houston Rockets.
With the exception of a few brutally squandered chances to create highlights, The Beard had a very promising start to the season. Maxey responded that Harden’s primary goal this year is to help the Sixers win a championship when asked if he had a chip on his shoulder. He clarified that for his seasoned backcourt partner, winning is everything.
Hall of Famer on the first ballot, he. Maxey stated that other from assisting us in capturing a championship, he has nothing to prove to anyone. All he cares about, in my opinion, is what it takes for us to win. He doesn’t really care whether he scores 35 goals or only 18, while also dishing out 17 assists. He only wants to succeed.
Maxey emphasised that the Sixers will support whoever is having success. Philly wants to capitalise on whoever the hot hand is, whether it be him, Harden, Joel Embiid, or Tobias Harris.
On Thursday night, the Sixers’ home debut is a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. It will be crucial for Philadelphia to get its offence flowing against Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and company, regardless of who has the knack.
Tyrese Maxey throws a bombshell about James Harden’s resurgence against the Celtics. This article originally appeared on ClutchPoints.
