“Dennis Rodman went to Vegas” – James Harden going to Las Vegas mid-playoffs was NO PROBLEM for Doc Rivers 

Harden celebrates round one win in Vegas

“Dennis Rodman went to Vegas” – James Harden going to Las Vegas mid-playoffs was NO PROBLEM for Doc Rivers 

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics stand even in the series, as the Celtics tied up the contest following Game 2. The Sixers had won Game 1 on the road without their MVP, Joel Embiid. After suffering a knee injury, Embiid missed the first game, though he was back in action for Game 2. The Sixers’ roster showcased great potential against the Celtics playing without their star center.

Though the Sixers managed to edge out in Game 1, the Celtics responded with a blowout win. With the series tied at one apiece, Philly will now host the Celtics for Games 3 and 4. Before the start of the series, the Sixers had three days off. Philly was coming off a first-round sweep, whereas the Celtics were pushed to six games. Usually, a team would take time to recover and practice for three days. But what unfolded wasn’t the most professional move allowed by a team.

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Before Game 1 of the series, James Harden had asked for a leave. While any coach would be reluctant to let their players go on leave in the middle of the postseason, Doc Rivers had a different mindset towards this. Harden had asked Doc whether he was allowed to go to Las Vegas right after the Sixers advanced to the second round.

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Though Doc did not have any problem with James traveling to Vegas, it was later reported that Harden was seen outside the Vegas hotel as he slapped one of his friends. “It’s funny. James called me before he went, and I was like, ‘So what? Do it’. Dennis Rodman went to Vegas… I told them to do whatever they want. He’s a grown man. I didn’t care.”, said Rivers. It was no problem, as the Sixers would win Game 1.

Related: WATCH: James Harden gifts Joel Embiid an EXCLUSIVE Rolex with ’23 MVP’ engraved

James Harden dropped a masterpiece post his clubbing in Vegas

James Harden
James Harden

Harden dropped 45 points in Game 1, leading the Sixers to a victory. Doc’s reference to Dennis Rodman’s Vegas trip was indeed relatable, as Rodman played just as great after his little vacation. With the series now tied and set, it would be better for Harden to put a halt to his Vegas trips for a while, as the series will only get more competitive.

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With Game 3 scheduled for Friday in Philly, the Sixers will have a home-court advantage which they’ll have to utilize to take a possible lead in the series before they go back to Boston for Game 5. The new MVP, Joel Embiid, will be in action for Game 3, as Philly will try to go up 2-1.

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