“Unless something dramatically turns around, I’m a little bit doubtful.” Tim Legler warns James Harden to put in more effort ahead of playoffs
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Tim Legler on James Harden
The Philadelphia 76ers are on their way to compete for the title once again and against the very team that knocked them out during the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019. The Sixers will face the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, April 16th, 2022, at the Well Fargo Center, Philadelphia. The Sixers finished their regular season with a record of 51 wins and 31 losses placing fourth in the East.
“A lot of yelling, a lot of physicalities we needed going into a situation we are trying to figure out,” said James Harden ahead of the first round of the playoffs. Joel Embiid also shared a few words on the atmosphere of the team at the moment, he said, “These last few days have been great. I think everybody understands their role and that’s how we know we’ll win.”
James Harden says he “does not have anything to prove” in the playoffs
James Harden has been looked upon as the key to the Sixers finally winning a championship after he was shipped from Brooklyn during the trade deadline. He poses an offensive threat to Philly’s opponents averaging 22.5 points and 10.2 assists per game which is a perfect fit for Embiid’s 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 49.9% shooting. James forced his way out of his former team in pursuit of a ring and felt that the Sixers were the perfect situation.
However, over his last few games, he has not been performing up to standards making just 22 shots from the field in those final five matches combined. During his first five games, he averaged 24.6 points shooting 53% from the field and 45% from three which was not the case in the games ahead. He only averaged 19.9 points, 36% from the field and 29% from three going on a 9-7 streak as opposed to going undefeated during the initial games. He said, “I don’t (have anything to prove). I don’t feel any pressure. I don’t feel any of that. For me, it’s going out there and playing my game, trying to help my team win.”
Tim Legler sends a warning to James Harden over the playoffs
James Harden’s reaction to the impending playoffs had most of us concerned about the Sixers team. Matisse Thybulle will remain out for the games that are held in Toronto as he is unvaccinated. This leaves Harden responsible for aspects that Thybulle generally covers. Former NBA player Tim Legler commented on the Sixers’ chances of winning the title saying,
“They’re clearly capable. You’re talking about two of the most dominant players in the league at their positions. But if you look at recent history over the last couple of weeks and the way James Harden has played. There’s a reason to be skeptical. If you look at the last six games, James Harden has only two more made field goals than turnovers. Unless something dramatically turned around in this week of practice. I’m a little bit doubtful.”
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Rakibul John Rodgers
(1258 Articles Published)