James Harden turned back the clock to help the 76ers steal Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals from the Celtics.
With Joel Embiid sidelined, Harden tied a playoff career-high with 45 points (on 17-of-30 shooting), including a 3-pointer with 8.4 seconds would put the Sixers ahead for good as they escaped TD Garden with a 119-115 win.
The 3 to give Harden 45 for the game? Nothing short of cold-blooded.
JAMES HARDEN FROM DEEP 😱
— NBA (@NBA) May 2, 2023
HE HAS 45 PTS. SIXERS LEAD 117-115.
8 SECONDS LEFT ON TNT pic.twitter.com/qWu1dmMhkg
Counted out by many before the series began, the Sixers now have a 1-0 series lead and have stolen home court advantage while Embiid inches closer to his return.
The performance was a welcome sight for Philadelphia fans, who last saw Harden score over 30 points in early March. It's his first 40-point game in a Sixers uniform — his last 40-point performance came over two years ago.
And the performance placed Harden in some elite Sixers company.
Only 5 players in 76ers history have recorded 45+ points in a Playoff game.
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 2, 2023
Allen Iverson (7 Games)
Lee Shaffer
Wilt Chamberlain
Billy Cunningham
James Harden pic.twitter.com/9mGCmkMrPN
Harden's heroics did not go unnoticed either, as his performance drew reactions from across the NBA world.
NBA Twitter reacts to James Harden's vintage performance in Game 1 vs. Celtics
JH!!!!! OMG he is serving
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) May 2, 2023
HOUSTON JAMES HARDEN Activated!🔥
— Dennis Schröder (@DS17_FG) May 2, 2023
He only needs his Mo Hawk back lol
45… you different 1
— Clint Capela (@CapelaClint) May 2, 2023
It’s no way in hell that I would have thought Harden would have walked into Bean Town and give these Celtics a 45 piece wing dinner “Lemon Pepper Style” with side of Clam Chowder!!! Carry the hell on… https://t.co/1TTKJJxavS
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 2, 2023
James Mutha#$%! Harden! Locked in!!! #NBA
— Greg Anthony (@GregAnthony50) May 2, 2023
UNNNNOOOOO
— Jabari Smith Jr (@jabarismithjr) May 2, 2023
The beard!!!!
— Ryan Hollins (@TheRyanHollins) May 2, 2023
Ladies and Gentlemen, his name is James Harden @nba.
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 2, 2023
JH look like Steph tonite!!
— Donte Greene (@dontegreeneCOS) May 2, 2023
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