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HoopsHype

Joel Embiid: ‘Everybody expected the Houston James Harden, but that’s not who he is anymore’

Michael Scotto: Joel Embiid on James Harden: “Obviously, I’m sure since we got him, everybody expected the Houston James Harden, but that’s not who he is anymore. He’s more of a playmaker. I thought, at times, as with all of us, could’ve been more aggressive.”
Source: Twitter @MikeAScotto

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
New BS Podcast!!!
—Philly implodes, the Harden IMDB Game, Butler’s Revenge & a Wide-Open West w/ @Rob Mahoney @ChrisRyan77
—All my Bucks-Celts thoughts after being at Game 5
—Giannis vs. the 21st Century
—Worst Celts losses ever
—I gargle cyanide
open.spotify.com/episode/40wUen…2:05 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Column: The James Harden dilemma si.com/nba/2022/05/13…1:46 AM
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop
Joel Embiid: “I’m sure since we got him everybody expected the Houston James Harden, but that’s not who he is anymore. He’s more of a playmaker.”
In other words, if Embiid was the Philly GM, Harden shouldn’t opt out of his last year thinking he’ll get a full max deal. – 1:25 AM
J. Michael Falgoust @ThisIsJMichael
Yall can make all the usual excuses for Harden that you want — age or hammy or whatever — but the number of plays he simply failed to hustle back on defense in a Game 6 is inexcusable. If that’s the best he can do b/c of a physical limitation, he shouldve been on the bench – 12:57 AM
J. Michael Falgoust @ThisIsJMichael
So who still thinks Harden joining Embiid was a good idea? – 12:26 AM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Radio Roulette is LIVE @UnderdogFantasy
• James Harden’s no-show
• Doc Rivers
• What’s next for Philly?
• Cant stand the Heat, get out the kitchen
• Jimmy delivers yet again
• Luka/Mavs force Game 7
• Most wholesome Tribal Council ever
Join us!⬇️
youtube.com/watch?v=lN_414…12:14 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
So why did James Harden only take 2 shots in the 2nd half? He explained his lack of aggression. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/05/13/jam… via @SixersWire12:13 AM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
New ESPN story: After yet another postseason flameout for both the 76ers and their point guard, Philadelphia enters the offseason with a James Harden problem. espn.com/nba/story/_/id…11:54 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid is still confused at how Philadelphia let Jimmy Butler go in the 2019 offseason #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/05/12/joe… via @SixersWire11:52 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Joel Embiid on playing 44 minutes with the orbital fracture and torn thumb ligament: “I tried to be on the floor really the whole game. I didn’t really want to take any breaks (with the) season on the line, so I just wanted to do whatever I could and not regret anything.” – 11:44 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Points by former Nets today facing elimination
– James Harden: 11
– Spencer Dinwiddie: 12 (through 3 quarters) – 11:31 PM
Lenn Robbins @LennRobbins
Hard to argue w @Denver Nuggets center @jokiccenter winning #MVP I would have voted for @Joel Embiid After watching the #76ers big man gut it out with a broken orbital bone & torn thumb ligament, he has to be the fave next season. It is not easy for me to back a #philly athlete @NBA11:31 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler both say they wish they were still teammates after Heat eliminate 76ers
cbssports.com/nba/news/joel-…11:28 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid on Jimmy Butler, “I still don’t know how we let him go.” #Sixers #MiamiHeat11:27 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Joel Embiid on James Harden: “Obviously, I’m sure since we got him, everybody expected the Houston James Harden, but that’s not who he is anymore. He’s more of a playmaker. I thought, at times, as with all of us, could’ve been more aggressive.” pic.twitter.com/DGf7cXqfoH11:15 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid said his focus this summer (aside from getting better) is on appreciating what he has: “I got home two days ago and got the best award i can get — most valuable father” – 11:13 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Embiid, asked whether they need more tough, physical players like Marcus Smart, Jrue Holiday, etc: “For sure.”
Embiid then went on for a couple of minutes singing the praises of PJ Tucker.
“Once you get to the later rounds, you need those guys.” – 11:13 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers center Joel Embiid says the team could use a physical, tough player like P.J. Tucker. – 11:12 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid says the team needs more tough guys. He mentioned the team doesn’t have a P.J. Tucker and he would like a guy like that in Philly. #Sixers11:12 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Embiid after Harden’s debut: “That was probably the most wide-open I’ve ever been in my career.”
Embiid tonight: “Everybody expected the Houston James Harden. But that’s not who he is anymore.”
Honeymoon period over. pic.twitter.com/EIcdNagcR611:10 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid asked if he still believes in the coaching staff, says yes, and emphasizes that you can’t keep pointing fingers at management and coaches, sometimes the players simply have to be better – 11:08 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Joel Embiid, asked whether he still has faith in the front office and the coaching staff: “At some point you gotta stop looking at the coaches or the front office…the players also gotta do their jobs.” – 11:08 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Embiid says he still has faith in the coaching staff and front office, but says at some point you have to look at the players and guys have to do their jobs. – 11:08 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid: “At some point, you gotta stop looking at coaches and the front office. You gotta look at the players. Maybe we’re just not good enough.” He continued to go on about how the players have to step up and give more on the floor. #Sixers11:07 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers center Joel Embiid on his relationship with Daryl Morey and Doc Rivers: pic.twitter.com/R2hmkrEn7711:07 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Both the Nets and 76ers needed Ben Simmons this postseason more than James Harden tbh – 11:05 PM
David Thorpe @coachthorpe
Not to pile on, but Harden could never play for the Tampa Bay Lightning. That franchise is so special. No matter what happens in game 7. – 11:04 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Joel Embiid praised the play of Jimmy Butler. Then, Embiid said, “I still don’t know how we let him go, but I wish I could’ve gone to battle with him still. But, it is what it is.” pic.twitter.com/3rb4Z3oYYv11:04 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Embiid, asked about Tobias Harris’s mental toughness comments: “When you talk about a physicality standpoint, they dominated us on the glass. They got what they wanted.”
“I think that mental toughness could be a part of it, but definitely the physicality wasn’t there.” – 11:03 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid said the 76ers weren’t tough enough in this series. Said Miami’s physicality was too much for Philly throughout the series. – 11:02 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers center Joel Embiid says he expects to have thumb surgery but doesn’t look like he needs it for the facial fracture: pic.twitter.com/2WAFi0o0bB11:01 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Joel Embiid says he’s definitely getting surgery on his thumb, and that they’re going to see what comes next with the face (no surgery, last time he heard). – 11:01 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Joel Embiid says he’s going to have to talk it through with everyone, but “the last time I checked I definitely needed surgery for the thumb.” – 11:01 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid says last time he was told he will definitely need surgery for his thumb, and doesn’t think he needs surgery for his face, but that he’s going to check with the doctors now that the season is done. – 11:00 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid: “My goal remains the same: to win it all.” Says he still believes that he can reach another level with his own personal play. – 10:58 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Embiid was asked about Jimmy Butler’s postgame comments: “I still don’t know how we let him go.” – 10:58 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid on Jimmy Butler: “I still don’t know how we let him go.” #Sixers10:57 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid on Jimmy Butler, “I still don’t how we let him go.” #Sixers #MiamiHeat10:57 PM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
We now have a clear winner from the James Harden/Ben Simmons trade…the other 28 teams who weren’t involved – 10:57 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers center Joel Embiid on the #Heat’s Jimmy Butler: ‘That’s my guy.’ Later says ‘I still don’t know how we let him go’ pic.twitter.com/ApfZJE9Bhj10:56 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid with a lot of praise for Jimmy Butler, and then: “I still don’t know how we let him go” – 10:56 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“That’s my guy.. that’s my brother. It’s tough, but I’m so proud of him” – Joel Embiid on Jimmy Butler #Sixers10:55 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid says the goal was to win a championship, and it didn’t happen. Says losing in any round is the same, and that it’s unfortunate he couldn’t be healthy for this series. Says that it’s life. – 10:54 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers center Joel Embiid on the team’s Game 6 showing: pic.twitter.com/FI12886w8k10:54 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Embiid says for the most part he believes the team really tried but they just weren’t good enough #Sixers10:54 PM
Chris Palmer @ChrisPalmerNBA
James Harden posted terrific numbers this year. But is his prime officially over? – 10:51 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Man how much money did James Harden cost himself by not signing the extension with Brooklyn? – 10:51 PM
Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
Hey, Philadelphia 76ers fan, how ya feeling about trashing on Ben Simmons now?
Good luck with paying Harden $250 million over the next 5 years or losing him and thus Simmons and other assets for nada. – 10:40 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Five Degrees of Heat from Thursday night’s 99-90 victory in Philadelphia: sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h…
1. Taking charge in third quarter.
2. Another Jimmy Butler statement game.
3. Bam Adebayo handles Joel Embiid
4. Max Strus again double-doubles.
5. 76ers lose Danny Green early. – 10:40 PM
Jason Walker @JasonWalkerNBA
Looked like the Heat were doing the same kind of flowing, suffocating defense to Harden like they did to Trae. – 10:39 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Sixers offseason preview: James Harden’s contract, Matisse Thybulle extension and more.
hoopshype.com/lists/sixers-o…10:34 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
James Harden on his $47 million player option: “I’ll be here. Whatever allows this team to continue grow, get better and do the things necessary to compete at the highest level.”
Harden said the ball didn’t get to him. Asked if Doc Rivers called plays for him: “Next question.” pic.twitter.com/AisZhcfnC210:27 PM
J. Michael Falgoust @ThisIsJMichael
Jimmy Butler has 32 points in a close out game. How many yall barked about me about him for years, clowning him over his offense (though he can change games withOUT scoring which is a greater skill) while gawking over Harden? Where yall at?🤣 – 10:26 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I went deep on James Harden’s upcoming contract negotiations with the Sixers:
– How much is he actually worth?
– Are there feasible trades? Very few come to mind.
– Could Philly… just… let him walk? How could they replace him?
cbssports.com/nba/news/james…10:19 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Would you pay Grayson Allen $60 million a year?
Of course not.
But that’s exactly what any team who pays James Harden the max would be doing.
Here’s why:
sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/ja…10:19 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I think James Harden would’ve won a championship if he’d stayed in OKC.
I think James Harden would’ve won a championship if he’d just fixed his relationship with Chris Paul in Houston.
I think James Harden would’ve won a championship if he’d waited out NYC’s vaccine mandate. – 10:18 PM
Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
James Harden on what’s ahead: ‘It’ll be a great summer for me to get my body right and be ready to go for next year.’
I hope he does, but . . . – 10:11 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Asked if he’s willing to take less money on an extension, James Harden said “whatever it takes to make this team better.” – 10:06 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers guard James Harden: Asked if he’ll take less than a max contract extension, he replied, ‘Whatever it takes.’ – 10:05 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Harden asked if he would take less on an extension: “Whatever it takes to help this team continue to grow” – 10:04 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“We got a summer to be great individually and collectively” – James Harden #Sixers10:04 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Harden was asked if the plan was still to opt into the final year of his contract: “I’ll be here.”
Goes on to say he will do what it takes to make the team better. – 10:04 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Harden says the last two years have been tough for him health-wise. He looks forward to having the summer to recover and “get straight” before coming back next year #Sixers10:03 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers guard James Harden: ‘I’ll be here (next season).’ – 10:03 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Harden on whether he will opt in: “I’ll be here.” Goes on to say he’ll do whatever it takes to win here and make the team as good as it can possibly be – 10:03 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
James Harden was asked if he’ll opt in this offseason. Did not say yes but responded with, “I’ll be here.” – 10:03 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers guard James Harden on how the team did this year: pic.twitter.com/Iqtn3oryxa10:02 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
When asked about his contract option, James Harden says he will be back in Philadelphia, and he will do whatever it takes to allow this team to compete at the highest level moving forward. – 10:02 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
James Harden says he’ll be here next year…. mentions he wants to do what it takes to win a championship #Sixers10:02 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden on next season: “I’ll be here.” #Sixers10:02 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
James Harden says he will be here next season. – 10:02 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
James Harden says it’s been a long year for him but his time with the #Sixers “has been great” – 10:01 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
James Harden asked why he wasn’t more aggressive: “We ran our offense, the ball just didn’t get back to me.” – 10:01 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
James Harden, when asked why he only took two shots in the second half: “We ran our offense, and the ball didn’t get back to me.” – 10:01 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers guard James Harden on only taking two shots in the second half: pic.twitter.com/nfTPY3CMBt10:01 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“We run our offense.. the ball just didn’t get back to me” – James Harden when asked why he wasn’t more aggressive tonight #Sixers10:01 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden on the 2 shots he took in the 2nd half: “We moved the ball and it didn’t get back to me.” #Sixers10:01 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Harden on his lack of attempts in the second half: “We run our offense, the ball just didn’t get back to me” – 10:01 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Ben Simmons and James Harden attempting the same number of second half shots in Philly’s last two elimination games was the only way this could have ended. – 10:00 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Who won the Harden/Simmons trade? – 10:00 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
James Harden shot under 50% on layups and dunks (a minimum 300 attempts) during the regular season, per Second Spectrum tracking.
The only other player was the New York Knicks’ RJ Barrett. – 9:58 PM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Everybody knows how much Daryl Morey loves James Harden but he has to make a decision this summer based on what his eyes have seen, not his heart. Latching the rest of Joel Embiid’s prime to an anvil of an extension for Harden wouldn’t just be a mistake, it would be malpractice. – 9:57 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
In the interest of both fairness and chaos, someone needs to ask Doc if James Harden can be the starting shooting guard on a championship team. AK – 9:53 PM
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
James Harden (and Walton) voted to Top 76 by dolts, but not Klay, Manu, Parker, Lanier, Issel or Bellamy!!!! – 9:53 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
these players outscored james harden in a playoff elimination game 🫠 pic.twitter.com/sFKDSXiJHs9:52 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
James Harden playing with “no pressure” this playoffs:
— Lowest PPG since he was in OKC
— Lowest FGM since he was in OKC
— Lowest FTA since he was in OKC
— Lowest FG% since 2014 pic.twitter.com/sduURshBuj9:52 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
Harden 0 for 2 and 3 TOs in second half (be glad your team didn’t trade for him last year)…. Strus never had a double double in first 119 NBA games. Now has that in two high-stakes games in a row. – 9:51 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
My honest guess is that James Harden opts in and he and the Sixers resolve to figure things out over the next year.
If he earns a new deal, he’ll get one. If not? I imagine Morey seeks out Harris trades so he can try to reload with max cap space in 2023. – 9:50 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
I wrote this for @spotrac before James Harden was traded to Philadelphia. But all of it holds true if you swap the Nets for the Sixers. The numbers have updated slightly with an increased cap projection, but not enough to really matter. Still a TON of $$:
spotrac.com/research/nba/t…9:50 PM
Tom Haberstroh @tomhaberstroh
James Harden missed a floater with 8:54 left in the first quarter — the Danny Green injury play. That was the last 2-pointer that Harden took for the rest of the elimination game. – 9:48 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
James Harden is 1-8 in his last 9 elimination games. pic.twitter.com/cyUaWKBxr79:46 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
If James Harden opts in to his $47.367M player option, the only player in the league who will make more than him next season is Steph Curry ($48.070M) – 9:45 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
James Harden’s contract negotiations are going to be a tricky endeavor.
I laid out the options, talked to @kmedved to see what insight we could gain from his DARKO NBA projections, and gave my opinion on what the Sixers should do: sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/ja…9:44 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
James Harden has 0 points in his last two 4th quarters.
Ben Simmons had 3 points in his last two 4th quarters with the Sixers. pic.twitter.com/HrUNtzLowQ9:43 PM
John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
Damn, Harden got outscored by the guy who used to stand in the corner & watch him dribble in Houston. – 9:43 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
This is the first time in James Harden’s career that he played 40+ minutes in any game and did not attempt a free throw. @ESPNStatsInfo9:43 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Jimmy Butler has begun lobbying to get Embiid to Miami. – 9:42 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Might have to go back to Y2K for the last thing that got as much hype but had as little impact as the Harden-Simmons swap. – 9:42 PM
John Gonzalez @JohnGonzalez
*Coming up at the news conference*
Media: “Doc do you still think James Harden can be the point guard for a championship team?”
Doc: “I don’t know the answer to that right now.” – 9:42 PM
Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
Taxes, death and James Harden vanishing in the postseason – 9:41 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
James Harden 2nd halves in 2022 semis vs Heat (Games 3-4 were the wins)
G1: 4 points, 2 TOs (1/4 FGs)
G2: 4 points, 0 TOs (1/5 FGs)
G3: 2 points, 3 TOs (1/5 FGs)
G4: 18 points, 1 TO (5/11 FGs)
G5: 4 points, 2 TOs (1/5 FGs)
G6: 0 points, 3 TOs (0/2 FGs) – 9:40 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Jimmy Butler on Joel Embiid: “I love him. I’m proud of him. Yes, yes, yes, I still wish I was on his team. I definitely love the Miami Heat, though. I’m glad that I’m here, but I’ve got so much love and respect for Joel Embiid.” (ESPN postgame TV interview) – 9:39 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“That I love him. I’m proud of him. Yes, yes, yes I still wish I was on this team. I definitely love the Miami Heat though. I’m glad that I’m here but I got so much respect and love for Joel Embiid.”
-Jimmy Butler pic.twitter.com/Up7Mgo9IQl9:39 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I think if James Harden goes vegan, if he chills with the nightlife, if he spends the entire summer rehabbing that hamstring and getting in killer shape, he might able to redeem himself next year.
I just don’t find any of those things all that likely. – 9:39 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
James Harden in the second half: 0-2 – 9:39 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
I’ve been a vocal Harden supporter for years and I’ve never been more disappointed in him than now. If he’s not scoring like before he needs to play with more activity off-ball and effort on defense. Get in shape and reinstall his OKC era habits. That’s how to thrive with Embiid. pic.twitter.com/v3cgDGbwPM9:38 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Remember when Tim Duncan scored 25 in the first half of Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, and we were all like, “wow, I didn’t think we’d ever see this version of Duncan again?”
Harden just had the bizarro version of that game. I cannot believe he just did it AGAIN. – 9:38 PM
Tom Haberstroh @tomhaberstroh
Ben Simmons’ final 4Q last year
vs.
James Harden’s final 4Q this year pic.twitter.com/7fRI5wFWwf9:37 PM
Haralabos Voulgaris @haralabob
Harden taking 2 shots in the 2H of an elimination game is just bizarre. – 9:36 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Shoutout to Joel Embiid.
— Fractured face
— Torn thumb ligament
— Leads playoffs in double-doubles
— 24 PPG, 11 RPG
Gave his all. pic.twitter.com/zXkFbJ1bnz9:36 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Joel out there playing with a broken face, emptying the clip and Harden taking two shots in the second half…. – 9:36 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
How it started … how it’s going …
Philadelphia 76ers had back-to-back #1 overall picks joining Joel Embiid when this playoff run started.
Now, 76ers join Jazz as current teams to make at least last 5 straight postseasons without a conference finals. pic.twitter.com/rIcv0A9yRD9:32 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
James Harden finishes the night with just 11 points. He took just nine shots — and made just four of them — in 43 minutes. – 9:32 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Points in the 2nd half tonight:
0 — Ben Simmons
0 — James Harden pic.twitter.com/Ff7YziHPHp9:31 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Obviously a lot of deservedly bad vibes right now, but the performance Joel Embiid put together this season was incredible. – 9:31 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Someone ask Doc Rivers if James Harden is a championship point guard. – 9:31 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
James Harden has been a ghost in this game, just 9 shots, making 4, looking disinterested all game. – 9:30 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
I know James Harden is gonna get dragged for a bad closeout playoff game, but one thing you never saw from him in a Sixers uniform was passively playing off ball and forgoing point guard duties for the bulk of a game. Vital off season for him rehab wise. – 9:30 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Four free throw attempts combined for Embiid and Harden in 84 minutes.
Free throws were the bet they made, and they came up empty. – 9:27 PM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
On the third anniversary of Kawhi Leonard’s legendary Game 7, tap-dancing jumper to eliminate the best 76ers team of Joel Embiid era, Philly fans have to watch their season destroyed by the guy they let get away in order to appease the guy who would later quit on the organization – 9:27 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Ben Simmons stats in the infamous Game 6 loss to the Hawks in 2021:
5 points (2-of-4 shooting)
8 rebounds
13 assists (vs. just 2 turnovers)
+1 plus/minus
James Harden in Game 6 tonight vs. the Heat:
11 points (4-of-8 shooting)
4 rebounds
9 assist (vs. 4 turnovers)
-15 plus/minus – 9:26 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
James Harden is scoreless and has taken one shot in second half after having 11 points and going 4 for 7 in the first half. #Sixers9:26 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
James Harden has taken fewer shots than all of Philly’s starters but Danny Green — and Green played three minutes before leaving with a knee injury. Harden has taken one more shot than Shake Milton. – 9:23 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
James Harden has attempted one shot in the second half.
One. – 9:22 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Butler getting that rebound in front of multiple blue jerseys (including Harden) sums up the night. – 9:22 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
We’re at the 5:45 mark of the 4th quarter. James Harden has 11 points. They have all come in the first half. #Sixers9:19 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Seriously tho. Watching Harden this second half has been infuriating….not even bringing the ball up the floor. Making a youngin like Maxey play a role he’s not equipped for at this point in his career. He flat out quit in this game tonight – 9:17 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
2nd-half shots tonight (with 8:00 left) …
James Harden 1
Ben Simmons 0 – 9:15 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Daryl Morey is going to have a blunt conversation with James Harden. He’s gotta get him to make some changes if he wants to be perennial MVP candidate James Harden. The good news is if anyone can get through to him, it’s Morey. Harden’s too good to look like this at age 32 – 9:13 PM
Greg Dickerson @gregdickerson13
That little 1 game renaissance by James harden was cute…if Philly signs him to an extension, they should be relegated to playing in the G league next year…he is done..he’s melo of the last 3 years…good bench scorer not superstar – 9:09 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
If you take out the 2020 Bubble postseason, this will be the fifth straight year James Harden’s team has been eliminated from the playoffs on its home floor
2017: Spurs
2018: GSW
2019: GSW
2021: Bucks
2022: Heat – 9:08 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Doc Rivers saw a 1:15 of Paul Reed to start this 4th quarter and said “get him out of here”. Joel Embiid is back in. Philly down 80-63 with 10:43 left to save the season. #Sixers9:08 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Harden involved in back to back turnovers. Heat up 80-63. It looks the Sixers’ season will be official over in 10 minutes, 43 seconds of game action. – 9:08 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Embiid is coming back in after a 77-second rest – 9:07 PM
Tom Haberstroh @tomhaberstroh
Tyrese Maxey hustling back in transition defense two plays in a row while a fumbling James Harden barely moves. Big yikes. – 9:07 PM
Ben Rohrbach @brohrbach
You have to bench James Harden – 9:06 PM
Frank Isola @TheFrankIsola
What team will James Harden want to be traded to next? – 9:06 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Harden is toast – 9:06 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Big summer ahead for the Sixers. I’d be shocked if Doc is back. What’s Harden’s future following this embarrassment? Will Harris be flipped? Can they add shooting with few assets? Does Maxey take another leap? Embiid is 28 and in his prime. Morey must operate with urgency. – 9:04 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Embiid needs a solid four minutes off. Won’t have chance if he doesn’t get a break. Also, screwed without him. – 9:04 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Reed in for Embiid – 9:03 PM
Tom Haberstroh @tomhaberstroh
James Harden played the entire third quarter and took one shot, a 3-pointer. He missed it. No free throws. Two turnovers. – 9:02 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
That third quarter saw:
Embiid go 1/7 FGs
Maxey go 1/7 FGs with 2 TOs
Harden go 0/1 FGs with 2 TOs – 9:02 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Philly’s contract situation going forward
Harden: 1 year, $47.4M (player option)
Harris: 2 years, $76.9M
Embiid: 5 years, $229.5M
Korkmaz: 2 years, $10.4M
Thybulle: 1 year, $4.4M
Niang: 1 year, $3.5M
Maxey: 2 years, $7M
Springer: 3 years, $8.3M
Milton: 1 year, $2M (team option) – 9:02 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Problem is Embiid’s going to need a rest. He’s tired, having played all but 92 seconds of the first 36 minutes. #Sixers down 11 going into the fourth quarter. – 9:02 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Embiid just tripped himself 💀💀 – 9:00 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden has taken 1 shot in this 3rd quarter. He’s taken 8 for the game. At some point, he’s gotta get aggressive. #Sixers8:57 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
This crummy possibly season ending third quarter, it seems like the Sixers decided to try James Harden in an off ball spot up role… when he doesn’t move w/out the ball and doesn’t catch and shoot much. Hamstring tighten up? – 8:56 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
The Sixers moved heaven and earth to acquire James Harden because Ben Simmons wouldn’t shoot the ball with the season on the line, only for Harden not to shoot the ball with the season on the line…cold world, man – 8:51 PM
Chris Herring @Herring_NBA
Harden really isn’t boxing out a soul tonight – 8:50 PM
Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
Embiid must still be sad about missing out on MVP. – 8:50 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Did the Sixers kinda decide to scrap the Harden as primary initiator thing for this second half? Playing off ball a lot and it’s not going well. – 8:50 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Spo wants the basketball aficionados to take note of Bam’s defense. It’s fairly obvious that he’s been dominate all series, executing multiple schemes and defending Embiid. DPOY-type stuff. – 8:47 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
76ers fans not happy after James Harden turns ball over and Bam Adebayo steals and goes in for a dunk and a 68-52 Heat lead. 76ers fans start to book the home team. – 8:46 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The Sixers are getting outplayed and booed. The Heat lead 68-52 with 4:56 left in the third quarter. Embiid is shooting 6-19. Harris is shooting 2-7 and Maxey 5-15. – 8:46 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
I’m not sure if Embiid maybe tweaked his back first quarter last game saving that ball or he’s falling so much cause of the mask. But I just hope he can make it through without further injury. – 8:45 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Bam Adebayo’s defense has been elite vs. Joel Embiid. – 8:44 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Sixers really need James Harden to take over right now. Joel’s body isn’t cooperating – 8:43 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
The Heat is making Joel Embiid work A LOT on both ends of the court. – 8:42 PM
Eric Patten @EricPatten
Butler was on the ground with his shoe off and Harden chose to shoot a 3 lol – 8:41 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Max Strus going right at Embiid is a fun series development – 8:39 PM
John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
Heat really making Embiid move on defense … & benefitting. – 8:38 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
With Tucker denying Harden, Maxey runs PnR with Embiid. Two good looks, no bucket but makes you wonder why we’ve seen relatively little of this action. pic.twitter.com/fvtvNLogeI8:38 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Someone get Embiid some knee, elbow pads and sleeves if he’s gonna fall this often. – 8:28 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Good denial here by Tucker on Harden, but the Sixers offense occasionally seems content to just settle. Not much Harden Embiid pick and roll. pic.twitter.com/v2fAX2nIfx8:19 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Joel Embiid is shooting 3 for 11 on 2-pointers and 2 of 3 on 3s in the first half tonight. – 8:18 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Another game where Tyler Herro is outscoring entire Philadelphia bench (10-5)
76ers aren’t in bad shape. Embiid missed 7 of 10 in paint, Harden didn’t get to FT line, Maxey missed 3 of 4 3s. Only a one-point game at halftime – 8:17 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Did they just come back to the halftime show to give Embiid highlights??????????????? – 8:16 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Max Strus was huge, yet team still 27% from three
Heat defense holding it down on Embiid
They deserve a lot of credit for what they’re doing to him, specifically with the rotations that follow – 8:14 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
The other guys are going to have to bring it in the second half, because Embiid looks every bit like a guy who had to take a week off energy wise. Asking him to try to bring you home on offense is asking a lot right now. – 8:13 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Max Strus has 16 points in first half to lead Heat to a 49-48 lead over 76ers. Joel Embiid has 14 for the 76ers. – 8:13 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Halftime: Heat 49, Sixers 48. Heat have 30 points in the paint but have turned the ball over 9 times. Sixers shot better in the second quarter to make this a back-and-forth game. Embiid has 14 and 6 in 22 (!) minutes but is 5-of-14 from the floor and only two FT attempts. – 8:13 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
That’s why Strus is playing ahead of Duncan Robinson and even at times Herro. Stops Harris on the roll, then strips Embiid off his pass. – 8:13 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat 49, 76ers 48 at half. Strus 16 for Heat, Butler scoreless in second period. Embiid 14 for 76ers (on 5 of 14). – 8:12 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Embiid perhaps overplaying a bit on Heat shooters seems to lead to a layup each time. – 8:09 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid is expending a ton of energy. He’s catching his breath every time there’s a stoppage. An underrated part of his return – on top of all of his injuries – is that he spent a week unable to build up his conditioning, and now is trying to regain it on the fly. – 8:05 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Max Strus and James Harden going Waiters-Hardaway right now – 8:04 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Good James Harden game percolating: 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, 3-of-4 from 3 and 4 assists. – 8:04 PM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
If this was an NFL game Embiid would be removed from the game by the spotter – 8:00 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
The funny thing about these Embiid calls is the Heat have done a good job on him once again this half
That floor gonna hurt more in the 4th with that kinda falling – 7:59 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Joel Embiid has played in 16 of the 17 minutes played thus far tonight.
14 PTS / 5 REB / 2 AST / 2-3 3fg
Through everything – he’s the definition of a fighter. – 7:58 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Embiid was doubled over and needed to go to his knees after getting up off the floor. Ran over to the bench for a seat, did not want any help from staffers. – 7:58 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Embiid looks absolutely gassed right now. Similar to Giannis a couple nights ago, giving everything he has. – 7:57 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid looked like he got hit in the face again on that drive. He got fouled on the offensive rebound, but he was grabbing at his face a bit. #Sixers7:56 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
The Heat took Duncan Robinson out as soon as James Harden checked in. Said on the pod that they could get Duncan run in the minutes Harden rests. – 7:53 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Heat again not switching much tonight when it comes to Embiid and Harden. – 7:46 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Doc Rivers has commended Furkan Korkmaz’ continued work and readiness throughout these playoffs.
With Green out, Korkmaz is checking in to start Q2, with big opportunity on the table. Out there now:
Maxey / Milton / Korkmaz / Niang / Embiid – 7:46 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Like last game, Miami has gone to conventional coverage against the Harden-Embiid pick-and-roll. Chasing over the screen so far tonight.
Sixers probably have to spam that play if they’re not going to switch it. One problem, though: Miami is not even paying attention to Thybulle. – 7:45 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Not every game where neither Embiid nor Harden attempt a free throw in the first quarter… – 7:45 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Heat 28, Sixers 25 after Harris buries a corner 3 at the buzzer. Another one of those “this could/should be a lot worse” after the Sixers shot 38.5 percent from the floor. But the Heat committed 6 turnovers. Embiid with 7 on 3-of-8 shooting and 4 rebounds. – 7:43 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Heat are doubling Embiid basically as soon as he makes his first move. – 7:40 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
By the way, Heat have found a counter to hunting Herro switch
They place him on Thybulle, who isn’t an offensive threat
So when he comes to screen, they blitz Harden
Just ended in a steal and score for Herro – 7:38 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Paul Reed in with 4:19 left in the first for Embiid. – 7:32 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
Sixers veteran Danny Green (leg) has been carried to the locker room after Joel Embiid accidentally landed on him. – 7:25 PM
Jeff Zillgitt @JeffZillgitt
Joel Embiid crashed into Danny Green’s left leg. Hopefully, it’s just some immediate pain/discomfort, and he’ll be OK. – 7:23 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
The Philly crowned just groaned in unison after watching the replay of Embiid falling into Green’s knee. Green left the floor without putting any weight on his left leg. – 7:23 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers fans chanting ‘Dan-ny Green’ when Green is helped off the court after injuring his leg. Looked like Joel Embiid fell on it. – 7:23 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Danny Green goes down with left knee injury. Joel Embiid feel into Green’s knee. Green was carried off the court by 76ers teammates. – 7:23 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Danny Green is in agony after Joel Embiid fell into him. Brutal. – 7:22 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Danny Green is down in a lot of pain after Joel Embiid accidentally fell into his leg. That did not look good at all. – 7:21 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Danny Green is down in a ton of pain at the far end of the floor. Looked like Embiid’s weight came down on his leg – 7:21 PM
Andrew Bogut @RogueBoguesPod
Basketball Pod Ep 64 – @andrewbogut and @HoopConsultants talk about the Harden and Maxey bench incident.
Listen to it here 👇
https://t.co/u0OwdyEs2S
#LetsGetRogue #RogueBogues #NBA #PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/YNvNW6axXy6:59 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Alperen Sengun said Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid are his basketball idols. “I’m so happy for him,” Sengun said about Jokic winning a second MVP – 6:43 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
What do the #76ers need to do tonight to force a Game 7?
Former #Sixers Point Guard Eric Snow tells @talkhoops & @Howard Beck why it comes down to Joel Embiid #PhilaUnite #NBAPlayoffs
Check out Eric’s podcast “Bleav in 76ers” on @BleavNetwork pic.twitter.com/rDlmVhqLms6:26 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Embiid takes the floor for his warmups, briefly serenaded with MVP chants. pic.twitter.com/Pn3Yl2gUom6:21 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
With the 76ers facing elimination in Game 6, will Joel Embiid score over or under 25.5 tonight against the Heat?
(Odds presented by @FDSportsbook) – 6:04 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Doc Rivers on Joel Embiid’s health status: “Joel’s good — as good as he can be with all the stuff that’s going on with him. He’s good. He’s able to play. We’re thankful [for] that. He’s gonna give us what he can give us, and we’re thankful for that.” – 6:02 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Doc Rivers says Joel Embiid is feeling “as good as he can be” with everything he has going on, and that he’ll give Philly everything he has tonight. – 5:19 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Doc Rivers says that Joel Embiid is “as good as can be” health-wise #Sixers5:19 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Amare Stoudemire: If I’m the owner of the Sixers, I cannot commit to giving Harden a max deal sportando.basketball/en/amare-stoud…4:59 PM
Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
Funny: James Harden appearing to crash Tobias Harris’ post-game interview. That’s him arriving on the left.
Less funny: real signs of trouble between Harden and the 76ers. https://t.co/dni1zWElSW pic.twitter.com/XUn3r5NIUI2:34 PM
Shandel Richardson @ShandelRich
A lot on the line for James Harden in this series: si.com/nba/heat/miami…1:24 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Optimistic view is Nets finally learned. Catering to Irving got them 1 playoff series victory in three years, a wronged head coach (Atkinson), a silly choice of DeAndre over Jarrett, a disgruntled (Harden), a damaged (Simmons) and an enormous payroll.
nydailynews.com/sports/basketb…12:45 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
A bit of Joel Embiid at Sixers shootaround before a must-win Game 6 tonight vs. the Heat: pic.twitter.com/VNr6nrT3vf11:18 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid putting up shots after shootaround this morning #Sixers pic.twitter.com/N91reNJyja11:12 AM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid is back at his customary spot with James Harden at the far basket as we get let into shootaround before tonight’s Game 6. Embiid wasn’t on the court when we got let in prior to Games 3 and 4. – 11:11 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
It’s do or die tonight in Game 6. Joel Embiid and the team discuss their mindset heading into this game. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/lists/joel-emb… via @SixersWire10:53 AM
Rob Mahoney @RobMahoney
James Harden has become a conditional superstar: theringer.com/2022/5/12/2306…9:58 AM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
From PM: The eyebrow-raising data on the Strus/Vincent impact. And 76ers, Embiid irritated: miamiherald.com/sports/spt-col…9:04 AM

More on this storyline

The Philadelphia 76ers were in self-destruction mode in the second half of Game 1 against the Miami Heat on Monday. Sixers head coach Doc Rivers called a timeout. He was livid. He pulled out his clipboard and drew five small circles, indicating his players’ location on the court. Then he showed his team the clipboard and said, “This is where you’re standing. You’re all in the wrong spots. I have no idea what offense we’re running. This isn’t the 76ers’ offense.” -via Yahoo! Sports / May 4, 2022
Heading into Game 2, Rivers did reveal that the Sixers will continue to go to the veteran out of Texas A&M.; “We like DJ,” Rivers added. “We’re gonna keep starting him whether you like it or not. That’s what we’re gonna do because our guys believe in him. At halftime, we asked our key guys because we were thinking about it because I thought Paul Millsap gave us some decent minutes, and to a man, that’s where they wanted to go.” Callie Caplan: Luka Doncic: “Our defense lost us the game today. I think our start on the defensive end was terrible, and we’ve got to change that. I know we can play way better defense, and I know we will.” -via Twitter @CallieCaplan / May 3, 2022
Kyle Neubeck: Embiid on Harden only taking 11 shots: “I’ve been saying all season since he got here, he needs to be aggressive and he needs to be himself. That’s not really my job, that’s probably on coach to talk to him and tell him to take more shots” Full quote: pic.twitter.com/vc5WIpROLO -via Twitter @KyleNeubeck / April 26, 2022

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