James Harden said he is “ready to play”.
Posted at 1:37 p.m.
The Philadelphia 76ers are obviously hoping that The Beard ready — not just for the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Toronto Raptors — but until the end of the NBA playoffs in June.
That’s why the Sixers acquired him.
However, since the mega-deal made two months ago, Harden and playing partner Joel Embiid have struggled to develop their chemistry.
PHOTO MATT SLOCUM, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Joel Embiid and James Harden
Certainly, some statistics are mind-blowing: Harden is one of seven players in 76ers history to have eight or more games of at least 20 points and 10 assists. His success rate from the free throw line is 89%. And he allowed Philadelphia to forget the departure of Ben Simmons.
Harden, however, experienced a downturn on offense in the final month of the season. He made just 15 of 45 shots and was limited to seven converted three-pointers on 24 attempts — not exactly NBA MVP numbers of 2018.
Additionally, he failed to demonstrate the explosiveness he had under the basket in his career-best seasons, and Harden, against all odds, affected his teammates more rather than taking over as the one of the greatest one-on-one scorers in history.
He may get a boost of energy in Game 1 against the Raptors on Saturday in Philadelphia.
And if he’s feeling some pressure heading into his first playoff game with the Sixers, then Harden hides it well.
“Pressure? No. I feel good,” Harden said simply.
Problem fixed.
Harden will therefore have to step up his level of play in the playoffs if the 76ers want to clinch their first NBA championship since 1983.
Barnes is ready for the big dance
For his part, Scottie Barnes said he was excited as he approached his first career game in the NBA playoffs.
PHOTO JOHN E. SOKOLOWSKI, USA TODAY SPORTS
Scottie Barnes
But hey, the Raptors rookie is still bursting with energy.
Barnes is a top contender for the NBA’s Most Outstanding Rookie, having averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game this season.
Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said Barnes is ready to face the music at the big spring dance.
Sixers head coach Doc Rivers believes it too, even calling Barnes a “great” player on Thursday.
With Dan Gelston, Associated Press