Sixers’ PJ Tucker, James Harden recall time with Rockets in Houston return

Philadelphia 76ers veterans PJ Tucker and James Harden recall their time with the Houston Rockets in their return on the road.

The Philadelphia 76ers will finish their three-game road trip on Monday when they take on the Houston Rockets. It will be a homecoming for a number of Sixers.

James Harden is considered one of the best to wear a Rockets uniform. He won an MVP with the franchise in 2018, and he averaged 29.6 points, 7.7 assists and 6 rebounds in a little over eight seasons in Houston. He won three scoring titles and guided Houston to one win away from the NBA Finals in 2018.

PJ Tucker was a member of those teams as well. Just like his role with the Sixers, the barrel-chested veteran did all of the little things to help the Rockets win, and he was bothering opponents defensively. Tucker freed up Harden to do what he does on the offensive end.

As Tucker, Harden and others such as Danuel House Jr. and president Daryl Morey visit Houston on Monday, they recalled their time with the Rockets with The Philadelphia Inquirer:

“You still get that special feeling being in the city, playing in this arena,” said Tucker, who was a Rocket for parts of four seasons from 2017-21. “It’s still weird coming in and going to the visitors’ (locker room).”

“We’ve got a lot of really good memories here,” Harden said. “We had some special moments. Obviously, we’re in Philly trying to create even better moments.”

Tucker and Harden look to make it a successful homecoming by guiding the Sixers to a win to end this road trip. Philadelphia is 0-2 on the trip and returns home for a seven-game homestand after the game with the Rockets.

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