CAMDEN, N.J.–The Philadelphia 76ers convened for one final practice on Friday before they take on the Brooklyn Nets in Game 1 of their first round playoff series on Saturday. This playoff run is one of Philadelphia’s best shots to win a title when considering the roster they have.
One reason they are feeling excited and confident is due to James Harden. The future Hall of Famer led the league in assists with 10.7 and it’s obvious that he’s much more confident with the Sixers this time around than he was in the 2021-22 season after the trade from the Nets.
With that being said, Harden has been dealing with a left Achilles soreness, but he claims that he’s all ready to go.
“Great,” he said when asked how he feels. “Really good.”
As he prepares for the playoffs, Harden is now ready to show off his full game that he wasn’t able to show in the 2022 postseason.
“I’m excited, man,” Harden added. “My energy, my pace, my aggressiveness is gonna be better. I’m more comfortable, more confident in what I’m supposed to be doing out there.”
In terms of having this week off, Harden was happy with having the extra time to get some rest and also put in some extra work in order to get ready for what he and the Sixers hope will be a deep playoff run.
“Great,” he added about the week. “Really good. A combination of trying to work, but not overwork, but making sure it’s the right amount. I’m prepared. I’m extremely prepared. I’m gonna play 40 minutes tomorrow (Saturday) at the minimum so training my body and getting the right mix in and being able to go out and play 40 and be efficient and effective in those 40 minutes.”
With that being said, Harden hasn’t played since April 6 in the home finale with the Miami Heat. The Beard was focusing more on conditioning throughout the week and ensuring that his body is ready for the playoff battles.
“With me not playing in the last two games, it’s always difficult, but making sure my conditioning and getting some high-speed running and lifting and doing the little things necessary to be prepared,” he explained. “This week really helped us as far as our practicing and scouting over what Brooklyn likes to do. For me, I feel good.”
James Harden, De’Anthony Melton, and Tyrese Maxey working on a shooting drill after practice today #Sixers pic.twitter.com/BapMR2JC4r
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) April 14, 2023
Time will tell if Harden is truly ready to go when the postseason begins on Saturday afternoon, but if he is, then the Sixers are going to have a great chance of going deep into the playoffs.
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