Retro James Harden drops 45 on Celtics to steal game 1 in the Garden.
No Joel Embiid, No Problem. James ” The Beard” Harden will handle it.
It was very fulfilling to watch Harden put on a retro mvp performance. The elite shot making in the absence of Joel Embiid was what the Sixers needed to put them over the top in game 1 of this series. There surely was doubt when the odds had the Celtics as a -10 favorite. It was speculated that the 76ers were confident while having the perfect game plan. Late in the fourth quarter Harden pulled Jayson Tatum and Al Horford from the top of the key to the paint for a full effort kick out back to Tobias Harris. Harris was cash converting the three pointer. That was a full display of the Sixers drive and kick plan for the evening. Attacking Al Horford into ball screens was very effective.
This was mostly due to Harden having his way all night with the Celtics. Numbers from his performance was at the top. 56% on shooting 17-30 while being 50% 7-14 on 3 point field goals. The Celtics allowed Harden to play pick up basketball all night. Harden was choosing the shots he wanted while being in single coverage for most of the game. There were step backs, cross overs, and dribbling players to sleep for a jumpshot. Head coach Joe Mazzulla failed to execute a strategy to make James Harden uncomfortable. Seeing a differnet look without Embiid definitely challenged the Celtics With a lack of offensive threats on the floor the Celtics should have shifted help coverage to get James Harden out of rhythm.
Now that’s one scope for the majority of the game but the final minutes of the game is really what made the difference. Often times the Celtics collapse and make mental errors towards the end of regulation. When Boston was up by 1 point with 30 seconds left racing against the shot clock, Malcolm Brogdon threw a bad pass that was intercepted by Tyrese Maxey for a fast break lay up with no defenders within 12 feet of him Those mistakes came crucial when James Harden was in his bag making multiple step back go ahead 3 pointers. Jayson Tatum finished with 38 points while only attempting 4 shots in the fourth quarter. Star players must demand the ball in these moments of the game. We’ve seen this from Steph Curry in game 7 against the Kings. We’ve also seen this from Lebron James in overtime against the Grizzlies. Do not give Marcus Smart the ball in your final possessions just so he can continue to turn it over. Boston, let Jaylen Brown and/or Jayson Tatum close the deal for you.
The series continues back in Boston for game Wednesday 5/3/23
