The matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday was a contest between a team that needed a win (Sixers) and a team that has been in sync for most of the season (Clippers).
In the end, the Sixers did what they had to do and picked up a much-needed 121-107 win over the Clippers. Philadelphia improved to 1-2 on this four-game West Coast road trip and defeated a familiar face, James Harden.
Harden, who spent 1 1/2 seasons in Philadelphia when he was acquired at the 2022 deadline, requested a trade in the 2023 offseason, and got his wish in October when he was moved to the Clippers.
Harden’s tenure in LA has been successful so far, but he only had 12 points on 5-for-13 shooting, 0-for-6 from deep, and had 14 assists in the loss. He did not speak to the media after the loss.
With that being said, Harden still has the respect of his former Sixers teammates after his time in Philadelphia.
“James is a hell of a player and I’ve always had a huge amount of respect for him playing with him here, and it’s good to see him in LA flourishing and playing his game, and just balling out,” Tobias Harris told reporters. “So it’s all love and respect.”
Harris had 24 points in the win and was terrific for the Sixers all afternoon. Philadelphia really needed it to get on the board on this trip. It had been a tough start on the road and the Sixers needed something to feel good about.
It’s terrific for the Sixers to pick up a win over Harden and a very good Clippers team. The respect is still there, but Philadelphia did its job.
“He’s a Hall of Fame player and, for me, it was an honor being here and playing with him,” Harris added of Harden. “To see him on the other side happy and doing what he’s doing, that’s really what the game is about. It’s great just seeing him and hooping against him.”
The Sixers finish the road trip on Monday against the Sacramento Kings before returning home to host the Clippers on Wednesday.
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