James Harden on Sixers debut: ‘I’m extremely happy’

The final verdict on the Philadelphia 76ers trade for James Harden won’t come for months – maybe even years. Until then, every moment Harden and Philadelphia’s MVP-frontrunner Joel Embiid spend on the court together will be something of a Rohrsarch …

The final verdict on the Philadelphia 76ers trade for James Harden won’t come for months — maybe even years. Until then, every moment Harden and Philadelphia’s MVP-frontrunner Joel Embiid spend on the court together will be something of a Rohrsarch test. Some will see chemistry, others calamity — sometimes both will be visible in the same game. There was plenty to glean from Harden’s debut for the Sixers Friday night in a 133-102 blowout win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. But the enduring image from this night, the one that jumps out from behind The Beard, was the bright smile on Harden’s face. “[I’m] extremely happy,” Harden said postgame. “Extremely happy.”

Source: Ramona Shelburne @ ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers PG James Harden demoralized the #Timberwolves by getting four-point plays with his step-back threes. Tyrese Maxey said “it feels way better” to be on the right side of his new teammate’s move. Maxey was called for a couple of fouls when Harden played for the #Nets. pic.twitter.com/zHVAzG1Tgh – 7:17 AM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers PG James Harden on center Joel Embiid: pic.twitter.com/Hqb0DNxSsl – 6:56 AM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers PG James Harden on why he’s been a vocal teammate: pic.twitter.com/Sr6TIqd6uC – 6:50 AM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers’ standout point guard James Harden believes he’s one of the NBA’s best teammates inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 4:58 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid and the team praised James Harden for his big debut tonight in a win over Minnesota on the road #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/26/joe… via @SixersWire – 1:21 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden reacts to his debut tonight in Minnesota #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/26/jam… via @SixersWire – 1:20 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers point guard James Harden feels he’s one of the best teammates the NBA has ever had. pic.twitter.com/4ETws4Oidg – 1:01 AM

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Radio Roulette hotline is LIVE @TwitterSpaces, presented by @UnderdogFantasy.
• Harden & Embiid go off in debut
• Gobert conquers Luka
• Sneaky Pels
• Knicks doom
• Lakers doom
• Elsa Dutton not dying
• Operation Case Green
Taking your calls⬇️ twitter.com/i/spaces/1djGX… – 12:55 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers’ standout point guard James Harden believes he’s one of the #NBA’s best teammates inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 12:51 AM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Underrated @Philadelphia 76ers stats from tonight’s W:
Team: 30 assists, 42 buckets
Embiid: 11-13 FT
Harden: 8-9 FT
Harden: 5-7 3fg
Maxey: career-high 4 STL
Maxey: 12-16 FG
Thybulle: 7 REB / game-high 3 OREB
Harris: +24
Green: +17
Fast break points: 76ers (23) Wolves (4)
Scary minutes. – 12:41 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers All-Star Joel Embiid and James Harden postgame: pic.twitter.com/D6xc7TcHRz – 12:32 AM

CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
James Harden’s stellar debut with 76ers provides major reason for optimism in Philadelphia
By: @therealmikekb
cbssports.com/nba/news/james… – 12:27 AM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
James Harden on his Sixers debut: “Tonight was a great start, but we’ve got a long way to go and we’ll do whatever it takes every single day to build some great habits so we’re prepared when the time is right… – 12:21 AM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Tyrese Maxey on life on the other side of Harden step-back four-point plays: “It feels WAY better. Because I know from experience, in Brooklyn, when he was doing his between the legs and he step-backed on me and you touch him and he gets a foul and you just be like, ‘(C’mon).'” – 12:20 AM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Joel Embiid on playing with James Harden: “I’ve really never been wide open like this in my life — seriously. The passes, I wasn’t even expecting it and [the ball] was just coming…That’s what he does. He’s gonna make the game easy, whether it’s for me or for my teammates.” – 12:17 AM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Tyrese Maxey with 28 points on 12/16 shots tonight. I love what he did playing off James Harden. Maxey was constantly attacking a rotating defense and we saw Harden screen for him. A lot of focus has rightfully been on how Harden fits with Joel Embiid but Maxey will also benefit. pic.twitter.com/yWtLTWa6nP – 12:10 AM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
James Harden: “Just because the current situation happened, whatever happened happened, that doesn’t mean I’m a bad teammate. Me personally, I just feel like I needed to what’s best for my career and help myself and be happy.” pic.twitter.com/WdhEPCJe91 – 12:00 AM

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Watching 76ers twitter fall in love with James Harden after one game is beyond poetic.
A Greek tragedy waiting to happen and I simply can’t wait for it. – 12:00 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
I would say Embiid seems happy with the Harden debut pic.twitter.com/LOh9GoF7JD – 11:56 PM

Kevin Pelton @kpelton
James Harden now has three of the top 10 game scores in his debut for a new team since 1983-84. pic.twitter.com/1DpK7ldVRO – 11:54 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
James Harden has 27 points, 12 assists in dream debut for 76ers nba.nbcsports.com/2022/02/25/jam… – 11:53 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Some early thoughts from tonight’s impressive James Harden Sixers debut. I will have much more detail later: theathletic.com/news/james-har… – 11:46 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Updated #NBA column: James Harden delivers in his #Sixers’ debut despite high expectations from Philly fans: https://t.co/c3DDhL3Rk3 #76ers pic.twitter.com/Pm1uy7IJda – 11:45 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
James Harden 76ers debut:
27 PTS
8 REB
12 AST
2 TOV
7-12 FG
5-7 3P
8-9 FT
He was a +35, the highest +/- on the team. pic.twitter.com/br8D79nTNc – 11:43 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Joel Embiid on James Harden: “I really never been wide open like this in my life. Seriously. I mean, the passes, like I wasn’t even expecting it.” pic.twitter.com/w2LZQTrpwH – 11:41 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Career threes as a Sixer:
5 — James Harden in 1 game
5 — Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/yBPWQAzkV8 – 11:41 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
A lot of things have been said about James Harden as a so called bad teammate, but he responded to those criticisms on Friday after a win in his Philly debut #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/25/six… via @SixersWire #NBA – 11:40 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
James Harden debuts
Rockets: 37 PTS, 6 REB, 12 AST
Nets: 32 PTS, 12 REB, 14 AST
76ers: 27 PTS, 8 REB, 12 AST pic.twitter.com/o4O0BFkuxT – 11:38 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Joel Embiid just posted this photo with James Harden on Instagram with the caption: “Can’t believe this is my life.”
Embiid and Harden are definitely a match made in basketball heaven. Let’s see where this season takes them. pic.twitter.com/rdKuNkWiBs – 11:34 PM

David Hardisty @clutchfans
Nothing exposes #nbatwitter narratives like James Harden going to their favorite team does. pic.twitter.com/XjLFmAb9vq – 11:21 PM

Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
James Harden on the @Philadelphia 76ers statement win tonight:
“Tonight was a great start, but we have a long way to go. We’ll do whatever it takes every single day to build the right habits, so we’re prepared when the time is right.” – 11:20 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden: “I think I’m a great teammate” #Sixers – 11:20 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Tyrese Maxey on playing with James Harden for the first time:
“It was fun. What he does is amazing on the basketball court. He elevates everybody’s game to a higher level.” – 10:58 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tyrese Maxey speaks on being on the good side of a James Harden step back And-1 triple #Sixers pic.twitter.com/CxrTtyuQwH – 10:48 PM

Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Doc Rivers says @Georges Niang will (and already is) benefit greatly playing with James Harden:
“Georges is perfect for James… he’s perfect. When it comes, he’s shooting it. We need guys like that.” – 10:46 PM
John Gonzalez @JohnGonzalez
Imagine the welcome home party Delilah’s is gonna throw Harden – 10:40 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Joel Embiid on playing with James Harden for the first time:
“That was probably the most wide open I’ve ever been in my career.” – 10:36 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Observations after James Harden’s dream debut in a blowout Sixers win:
nbcsports.com/philadelphia/s… – 10:36 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
The @Philadelphia 76ers topple the Timberwolves, 133-102, in James Harden’s debut.
Harden, Embiid, and Maxey combined for 89 points.
The team shared 30 assists on 42 buckets.
The team shot 51.2% fg, 48.7% 3fg, 83.3% FT.
I mean… wow. – 10:34 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The debut of James Harden was a successful one. Here are the player grades following a win in Minnesota. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/lists/player-g… via @SixersWire #NBA – 10:32 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA column: Takeaways from James Harden’s impressive debut with the #Sixers: https://t.co/zPeIJhsygt #76ers pic.twitter.com/Z561CjnTEy – 10:29 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
27-8-12 for Harden
34-10-3 for Embiid
28-2-2 plus four steals for Maxey
and a dominant victory for the Sixers to open the Harden era in Minnesota. You can’t script a better debut than that phillyvoice.com/instant-observ… – 10:29 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Tough to draw up a better debut for James Harden: 27 points (7-12 FG), 12 assists, 8 boards. Transition passing, step-back 3s, total command of the offense, everything was working.
Sixers beat the Wolves, 133-102. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey also combined for 62 points, btw. – 10:29 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Final: Sixers win 133-102.
Embiid (34), Maxey (28) and Harden (27) combined for 89 points on 29-46 shooting. Embiid (11-13) and Harden (8-9) predictably lived at the line. Harden finished with 12 assists to just 2 turnovers.
Next up is New York on Sunday afternoon. – 10:29 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Final: Philly 133, Minnesota 102.
James Harden: 27-8-12, 7-12 overall, 5-7 from 3, 8-9 FTs
Joel Embiid: 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10-19 overall, 3-5 from 3, 11-13 FTs.
Philly shot 13-for-39 from 3, and held Minnesota to 9-39 shooting.
A dream start to the Harden-Embiid era. – 10:28 PM
Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
Sixers 133, Wolves 102
Harden and Embiid combine for 61 on 17-30.
KAT with 25 and 7, but 8-19
Edwards 5-13 for 15 pts
Wolves 9-39 from 3. – 10:28 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Blowouts hit different during a playoff push
Wolves 102, Sixers 133
On tonight’s show:
– The Harden + Embiid (foul) Show
– Ant shows some life
– The bench without Beasley
– Lookin at Pat Bev’s year – 10:28 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
The @Philadelphia 76ers starters have hit the bench… and wow.
Embiid: 34 PTS / 10 REB / 3 AST
Harden: 27 PTS / 8 REB / 12 AST
Maxey: 28 PTS / 2 AST / 4 STL
What a night. – 10:25 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Good lord, Harden was a +35 in his debut over a good team (on a b2b).
This Sixers team is gonna be REAL interesting. – 10:25 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
James Harden is a game-best +35 in 35 minutes tonight. #Sixers – 10:22 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Blown away by the immediate chemistry between Embiid & Harden. – 10:22 PM
Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYC
Shocker: James Harden is still very good at basketball – 10:20 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
It’s one game, against a tailor-made opponent, but this has been about as good of a start for the Joel Embiid-James Harden era in Philadelphia as the 76ers could’ve possibly hoped for. – 10:20 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tyrese Maxey drills another triple and that seems to have turned the lights out at Target Center. The fans here in Minnesota are headed for the exits. Philly leads 120-93. Joel Embiid has 34, James Harden has 27, and Maxey has 26. #Sixers – 10:19 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Harden gonna Harden. – 10:19 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
James Harden dribbles the ball off the screen and his defender follows him. It’s so weird. – 10:16 PM
J. Kyle Mann @jkylemann
maxey’s energy working off of this embiid/harden dynamic seems like it’s going to be a pain in the ass to deal with – 10:15 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Embiid up to 32 points. Maxey has 22 points while Harden has 20 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. – 10:11 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
With his 10th assist tonight, James Harden has notched his first double-double with the @Philadelphia 76ers.
And it’s not over…
20 PTS / 8 REB / 10 AST
6:47 to play. – 10:11 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Embiid & Harden have scored or assisted 80.4% of the team’s points through 3 quarters, lead 92-74. – 10:03 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Notable stats headed into Q4, with the @Philadelphia 76ers up, 92-74:
Embiid: 27 PTS / 9 REB / 11-13 FT
Harden: 20 PTS / 6 REB / 8 AST
Maxey: 16 PTS / 2 AST / 3 STL
Thybulle: 11 PTS / 7 REB / 3 STL – 10:02 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Philly opens the fourth quarter with Tyrese Maxey, James Harden, Danny Green, Tobias Harris and Paul Millsap on the court. – 10:02 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
With Embiid and Harden both on the bench, the Wolves went on a 10-0 run to end the 3rd, cutting the lead to 18 as we head to the 4th.
Embiid and Harden have combined for 47 points on 12-23 shooting, with a combined 11 assists and just 3 turnovers. – 10:01 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
A 13-4 run to end the quarter for Minnesota – the final nine points of which were scored by Anthony Edwards – has Philadelphia’s lead down to 92-74 after three quarters. Harden and Embiid have combined for 47 points and 21 free throws. – 10:00 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
After Doc Rivers staggered his guys in the first half, he now has an all-bench lineup out here late in the third quarter after taking out James Harden and Joel Embiid. Tyrese Maxey’s foul trouble seemed to get the rotations out of whack, but still notable.
Also: Philly is up 25. – 9:55 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
this is going to sound insane but it feels like there have been a bunch of times where Sixers players are shocked by how open they are when Harden gets them the ball and they don’t know how to act – 9:54 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Harden with 20 points and eight assists, while Embiid has 23 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. The #Sixers lead 84-59 with 5:22 left in the third quarter. – 9:47 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
This James Harden guy is pretty good at basketball. He’s up to 20 points on 5/7 shooting and he’s 3/4 from deep. Philly leads 84-59. #Sixers – 9:46 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Thought James Harden was toast? – 9:39 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
The Scary Minutes @Philadelphia 76ers lead, 65-49, at halftime.
Harden: 17 PTS / 3 REB / 5 AST
Embiid: 14 PTS / 7 REB / 2 AST
Maxey: 12 PTS
Thybulle: 8 PTS / 5 REB / 2 STL
Harden + Embiid: 16-19 FT
Sixers’ fast break points advantage: 14-4
Are we having fun yet? – 9:24 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
17 points on six field goal attempts for James Harden. He’s also got five assists and has been so sharp capitalizing when Minnesota isn’t fully set.
Harden-Harris, Embiid-Maxey duos working. Harris’ ability to guard multiple positions something that could be especially valuable. – 9:23 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Matisse Thybulle putback dunk at the buzzer puts the Sixers up 65-49 at the half, despite shooting just 39.5% from the field.
* Harden has 17/3/5 on 4-6 shooting.
* Embiid has 14/7
* Maxey with 12 on 5-8 shooting.
Sixers with 12 assists to just 3 turnovers so far. – 9:19 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Embiid with 14 on 2/8 shooting.
Harden with 17 on 4/6 shooting. – 9:19 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
17pts on just six shots for Harden st the half. – 9:18 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
A literally did this in my chair on that Thybulle putback slam.
Sixers 65, Wolves 49 at the break. Harden has a team-high 17 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including a vintage step-back four-point play. Embiid with 14 and 7. Maxey 12. pic.twitter.com/HwIiPKVGGm – 9:18 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Emphatic tip-dunk by Matisse Thybulle to end the half, and Philadelphia goes into the break with a 65-49 lead.
Joel Embiid: 14-7-2
James Harden: 17-3-5
Embiid and Harden: 19 free throws
Minnesota: 13 free throws – 9:17 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Woah. Matisse Thybulle rose up and slammed home a missed Danny Green triple at the buzzer. Philly will carry a 65-49 lead into the half. James Harden is up to 17 points and 5 assists and Joel Embiid has 14 and 7 rebounds. #Sixers – 9:17 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
17-3-5 for Harden in his first half with the Sixers. Only needed six shots to do it. – 9:17 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
James Harden stepback 3 and-1. Shades of the Gaungzhou Loong Lions game. – 9:17 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Harden and Embiid combine for 31 first half points. 16 of those points came at the free throw line
Wolves down by 16 at half – 9:16 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
James Harden making grown men swoon – 9:15 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
And there’s a four-point play for James Harden off the stepback. – 9:15 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
And there’s the 1st step back triple And-1 of the James Harden era in Philadelphia. He’s up to 17 points on the night. Philly up 63-49. #Sixers – 9:15 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
I think you gotta put Ant on Harden/Maxey to keep him engaged. He just checks out when he has to guard Korkmaz in the corner. And while Korkmaz isn’t as good as those guys, he’ll punish just as much if you leave him open in the corner. – 9:02 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Harden up to 11 points while 3-for-5 shooting and making 4 of 5 foul shots. The point guard also has three rebounds and three assists in 15 minutes, 4 seconds of action so far. – 9:02 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
James Harden on @Tyrese Maxey (last week):
“You love that young, turnt energy that [Tyrese] has… I can’t wait to have that pace. I feel like we can compliment each other.”
“That pace”: pic.twitter.com/rgtJ2YiNs8 – 9:01 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
So far for the Sixers:
14 2-point attempts
14 3-point attempts
20 free-throw attempts.
Sixers’ 3-point attempt rate (36.1% of FGAs) ranks just 24th in league. You would expect Harden to help improve that substantially, both because of his own shooting, but also shot creation. – 8:58 PM
Alykhan Bijani @Rockets_Insider
Harden moving and spacing to the corner of-ball? pic.twitter.com/uLl5n815hO – 8:48 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
Harden hits a spot up catch and shoot triple with movement then Tobias rains another. Creepy minutes? – 8:47 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Harden complains to ref after not getting call driving the lane he got a season ago. So glad that is back.
At least this time he did it while running back up court on defense. – 8:47 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
If Harden actually starts moving off the ball, that’s when the Sixers could really get dangerous. – 8:46 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
A relocation catch-and-shoot Harden three in the corner is something I can’t remember seeing very much of in recent years – 8:46 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
It is so strange to see Doc Rivers argue IN FAVOR of James Harden free throws lol – 8:46 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Watch James Harden drive, get and-1 for first bucket with 76ers nba.nbcsports.com/2022/02/25/wat… – 8:43 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
After 1Q:
— 16 free throws
— 11 for Embiid/Harden
— Went into bonus 4 minutes in pic.twitter.com/xv44zp3cBK – 8:43 PM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Tobias Harris has to stop second guessing, especially when Harden is putting in the work to set him up. – 8:42 PM
Kevin Pelton @kpelton
Mentioned the Sixers’ potential to live in the bonus on last week’s Lowe Post and the first quarter with Harden in the lineup lived up to that promise (or possibly threat for people who hate seeing parades to the free throw line). – 8:42 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Sixers 34, Wolves 25 at the end of the first. Harden with 5 points on 1-of-2 shooting, one rebound and one assist in nine minutes. Embiid with 10 and 6 despite going 1-of-5 from the floor (7-of-8 from the line). Sixers are 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. – 8:42 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Quarters played with Embiid/Harden in an opposing team’s arena: 1
Quarters with a “refs you suck” chant: 1
34-25 Sixers at the end of 1. – 8:41 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Sixers are on pace for 64 free throw attempts per game after the first quarter of James Harden’s debut. – 8:41 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden and Paul Millsap on for Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Look at Doc Rivers staggering lineups out here. #Sixers – 8:35 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Staggering update: Now Harden back in at the 1:56 mark of the first, with Embiid, Maxey and Harris out. – 8:35 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Seems like the coaching staff sent a clear message that you better be shooting or moving the ball if your name isn’t Embiid or Harden. Ball is flying around the floor early – 8:32 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Harden and Harris the first to be subbed out for the Sixers, which means River’ initial stab at the two-man groupings appears to be Embiid + Maxey and Harden + Harris. I think this is the right pairings, fwiw. – 8:28 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Harden-Harris go out, Maxey-Embiid stay.
Never has a substitution pattern been more closely observed in the history of NBA regular season basketball. – 8:28 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
First subs for Philly come at the five minute mark:
James Harden and Tobias Harris out, Georges Niang and Furkan Korkmaz in
Would seem to indicate the staggers will be Harden/Harris and Maxey/Embiid, which always was the logical pairing. Doc has said he’d stagger them. – 8:27 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
1st initial stint for James Harden: 3 points and an assist. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid will stay on the floor while Harden gets a rest. #Sixers – 8:27 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
First subs for the Sixers: Korkmaz for Harden and Niang for Harris. – 8:26 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
James Harden opens his Sixers account with an And-1!
(📼 @NBATV)
pic.twitter.com/ruXg8FRYXN – 8:25 PM

Alykhan Bijani @Rockets_Insider
James Harden will be good in the Sixers offense because Doc is already utilizing him out of 21 series, which is where Harden exceeds with a Big that’s an offensive threat. Doc ran 21 series a ton with the Clippers. – 8:24 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Yeah might just need to watch Harden and Embiid the rest of the way – 8:22 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Shaking off rust, coaching on-court already paying dividends. #Harden – 8:22 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
James Harden hits Tobias Harris on the wing in a semi-break situation for a 3-pointer, followed by a timeout, to make it 16-6 Sixers with 6:51 to go in the first. Now a 15-0 run for Philly. – 8:22 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Things you love to see:
A 15-0 @Philadelphia 76ers run in the first quarter of the James Harden era. – 8:22 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
That’s a big thing right there. Tobias Harris just walked into a triple off the pass from James Harden. Philly is on a 15-0 run and lead it 16-6 causing a timeout from Minnesota. #Sixers – 8:21 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
So far the Sixers in the Embiid/Harden era have 7 FTA and 8 FGA. Sounds about right. – 8:20 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
four minutes into the Embiid/Harden era and I think the opposing team’s fanbase is probably already pissed about the officiating
(maybe justifiably so on that last call) – 8:19 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
James Harden FIRST bucket as a 76er.
Iso and one on Anthony Edwards 🤧
pic.twitter.com/knTx9D1ZuP – 8:18 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Harden’s first shot attempt, basketball and three-point play as a Sixers came with 8:43 left in the first quarter. The #Sixers lead 10-6. – 8:18 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
There’s Harden. – 8:17 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
James Harden’s first shot attempt comes at the 8:43 mark of the first: an and-one drive to the hoop, through contact. – 8:17 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
On/off splits:
Joel Embiid w/out James Harden: 81.3% from the line.
With James Harden: 50%
🤔 – 8:13 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
No more fitting way for the Embiid-Harden era to start than with some free throws. – 8:12 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The Minnesota Timberwolves are last in the NBA in fouls per game – exactly the kind of team that the combination of Joel Embiid and James Harden should feast against. – 8:12 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
James Harden vs Patrick Beverley and Chris Finch – 8:11 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Embiid just did that scary eyes thing, looked Harden in the face and said “it’s go time” – 8:10 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Harden get booed during pregame introductions. So does Embiid. – 8:06 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers PG James Harden (1,423 career steals) needs five steals to tie Tim Hardaway for 55th on the NBA all-time steals list at 1,428. #DidYouKnowFlow – 8:05 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Embiid and Harden are locked in for their debut as teammates 👀 🔒
pic.twitter.com/4Fhwo2U7JF – 8:05 PM

Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYC
With great respect to the Heat and everything else that is way more important in the world: How is James Harden’s Philly debut not on National TV in 2022? – 8:00 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
What’s everybody drinking for Harden’s Sixers debut tonight? – 7:45 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Daryl Morey’s 16 month personal nightmare of experiencing life without James Harden ends in 20 minutes. – 7:40 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
James Harden warms up for his Philly debut in the @adidas Basketball Harden Vol. 6: pic.twitter.com/RLwvgOot9L – 7:36 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Philadelphia’s starting lineup:
Tyrese Maxey
James Harden
Matisse Thybulle
Tobias Harris
Joel Embiid – 7:32 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Matisse Thybulle will be the starter tonight alongside Tyrese Maxey, James Harden, Tobias Harris, and Joel Embiid #Sixers – 7:30 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Projected starters for the @Philadelphia 76ers in Minnesota:
◦ James Harden
◦ Tyrese Maxey
◦ Matisse Thybulle
◦ Tobias Harris
◦ Joel Embiid
🍿🍿🍿 – 7:30 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden pregame work part 4 #Sixers pic.twitter.com/GNdn0e63dG – 7:12 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
More James Harden work part 3 #Sixers pic.twitter.com/VFjhUvkcxX – 7:07 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
With James Harden set to make his Sixers debut tonight vs T-Wolves, @Shaun Powell with good perspective on Harden, and if he’ll learn this time how to fit in with an All-Star teammate on.nba.com/3HoG3M6 – 7:06 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
More James Harden work pregame in Minnesota #Sixers pic.twitter.com/QJDMDV6pW2 – 7:02 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden is warming up and preparing to make his team debut #Sixers pic.twitter.com/CTGKYLCOIq – 6:59 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Can’t believe the Knicks are on national TV tonight and they didn’t flex this Harden-Embiid debut. – 6:43 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Load Mismanagement with @jphanned is live @Underdog__NBA
We back up.
– Harden’s debut
– Brogdon with Hali now
– Luka vs. Don
– Point Book
– and oh good the Knicks are back too
Lord of Lineups at the top of the show, live all the way through tipoff:
➡️ https://t.co/yt3eTgGeJM pic.twitter.com/CBubSYllZb – 6:31 PM

Tony Mejia @MejiaDinero
The 76ers visit #RaisedByWolves as James Harden debuts. All eyes will be on Philly but Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards has my attention. Will his offensive slump continue? My thoughts from the @WagerTalk NBA Tip-Off Show: pic.twitter.com/GbDCsjLG3o – 6:28 PM

Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
James Harden makes his debut tonight – I’m fascinated to see if he’s willing to give the ball up more quickly than he has in years
Joel Embiid is an MVP frontrunner on a Top 3 team in the East – the 76ers duo can be terrific but the Beard has to let the offense flow through Joel – 6:25 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
When asked about holding James Harden to a 4-13 performance last month, Wolves coach Chris Finch joked that he wasn’t sure that was the “most engaged” version of Harden. Said he fully expects Harden to be at his best tonight in his 76ers debut. – 6:22 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
After a brief delay, the James Harden era is set to begin Friday in Minnesota inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 5:03 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
As James Harden gets set to make his debut tonight in Minnesota, the team discusses their expectations for him #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/24/six… via @SixersWire – 4:33 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
New Mismatch with @Chris Vernon on appreciating DeRozan, Bulls depth, Wolves-Grizz, Nuggets-Kings, Celtics beating the depleted Nets, Harden debut, Warriors, and POINT BOOKER. I promised on the pod I’d tweet a video of Booker assists so here it is 🤘🤘 https://t.co/lyoK8ax8zT pic.twitter.com/y1zwSNMjPH – 4:11 PM

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
James Harden is set to make his Sixers debut tonight against the T-Wolves.
How many points do you think the Beard will drop? pic.twitter.com/zuzZSp3jD3 – 3:29 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA story: What do you expect from the James Harden and Joel Embiid pairing in Harden’s #Sixers’ debut tonight? https://t.co/uccYbybRHr pic.twitter.com/faFtmEKzaL – 3:00 PM

Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
The 76ers get better by simply adding a former MVP with Joel Embiid, but questions linger in the present and future…
– Will Harden improve his play?
– Can he co-exist with Embiid?
– Can Philly adjust the offense?
– Will he be worth $60M at 37?
frontofficesports.com/stakes-are-hig… @fos – 2:37 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
James Harden on playing w/ Tobias Harris (@Tobias Harris) and the @Philadelphia 76ers:
“Tobias has that smooth game. He can shoot it, he can post up, he can score from anywhere. I think everybody on the floor – Tisse, to Danny, to Maxey – the entire group, they’re competitors. They want to win.” pic.twitter.com/xL0YKwddb4 – 2:09 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Who has the better step-back move? James Harden? Joel Embiid? The #Sixers center weighs in. inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 1:47 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was a Rockets assistant when Houston traded for James Harden. Finch brought that up when talking about the Pacers trading for Tyrese Haliburton. On Indiana’s new young guard, in a fantastic spot to grow: forbes.com/sites/tonyeast… – 1:23 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
About to hop on @SportsCenter to talk about the debut — finally — of the James Harden-Joel Embiid partnership tonight in Minneapolis. – 12:57 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Will James Harden take the #Sixers to the finals? inquirer.com/sixers/gameday… – 12:34 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid has been impressed with James Harden as a teammate thus far #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/25/big… via @SixersWire #NBA – 12:08 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Joel Embiid on James Harden:
“He’s a great person, a great personality. Always smiling. Fun to be around. His presence – on the team, and on the floor – has really changed us a lot since he got here.” pic.twitter.com/a63OX5XhO9 – 12:06 PM

Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Gearing up for James Harden’s Sixers debut:
nbcsports.com/philadelphia/s… – 12:05 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Doc Rivers on implementing James Harden with 24 regular-season games to play: “This is a race now. … We’re gonna just have to figure it out on the fly. Speed dating. That’s what this is.” – 12:01 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
The Knicks’ next four games (starting tonight) are against the Heat (best record in the East), the Suns (best record in NBA) and two games vs. the Sixers (w/ Harden).
9 of NY’s next ten games are against playoff teams. 7 of those ten games are on the road
tommybeer.substack.com/p/thibs-claims… – 11:55 AM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Joel Embiid on James Harden: “He’s a great basketball player obviously but I think he’s also very smart, you add that with the guys that we have. At the end of the day, it starts at the top. We got to want it, I got to want it, he’s got to want it.” – 11:55 AM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Joel Embiid on adding James Harden to the @Philadelphia 76ers:
“[James is] great for us as a team. It sets our expectations even higher than they were before. It puts a lot of pressure on everybody. So I’m excited, excited for everybody to play at that other level. It’s going to be fun.” – 11:48 AM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Earlier this year, in a different setting, Joel Embiid said, “I feel like I can really play with anybody and I can make anybody be better on the court.”
Here is what he said today at shootaround about trying to do just that with James Harden. pic.twitter.com/6pPFaUSRoN – 11:33 AM

StatMuse @statmuse
The free throw line after Embiid and Harden first game together pic.twitter.com/VtWhk6eX73 – 11:16 AM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Joel Embiid on if his stepback is better than James Harden’s: “From the mid-range, yeah. From 3, he got it.” – 11:15 AM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
James Harden getting shots up ahead of tonight’s Sixers debut against Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/m8u4iViG0s – 11:12 AM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden and Tobias Harris are chopping it up at shootaround this morning #Sixers pic.twitter.com/ezyq21iMD9 – 11:10 AM

Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Danny Green (@Danny Green) on adding James Harden to the @Philadelphia 76ers tonight:
“We’ve had so many battles throughout the years. He’s one of the hardest guys to guard in the league. One of the most annoying players to guard. So it’s good that he’s on my team, & can be that for us.” 😁 – 10:24 AM
David Locke @DLocke09
LOCKED ON JAZZ – Who is the best vs. the best? The Utah Jazz look good. 4 things for final 24 games for the Utah Jazz and Luka Doncic and the Mavericks have become the Harden Rockets – lockedonjazz.net/jazz/who-is-th… – 10:15 AM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Tonight former MVP James Harden will make his debut for the @Philadelphia 76ers.
But @Tyrese Maxey says it’s Joel Embiid who deserves this season’s MVP award. pic.twitter.com/kuYPxYSuQv – 10:15 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
James Harden makes his debut tonight. What will the Sixers’ rotation look like? phillyvoice.com/sixers-76ers-j… – 10:01 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Everybody knows James Harden can score the basketball at a high clip. However, some might not know of his elite passing ability. His new teammates have been impressed with his passing thus far. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/24/six… via @SixersWire – 9:50 AM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
DeMar DeRozan is just the seventh player in NBA history to score at least 35+ points in eight straight games.
Here are the other six players in this club:
Wilt Chamberlain
Elgin Baylor
Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
James Harden – 9:26 AM

More on this storyline

Friday night Harden paid off that trust — and then some. He finished with an efficient 27 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds, hitting 7-of-12 from the floor and 5-of-7 from behind the arc. According to Second Spectrum, the Sixers averaged 1.58 points off of Harden’s touches — the second-best mark of any Harden team in a game in which he had at least 20 touches in the last eight seasons. “I think it’s like anyone with a new group,” Morey said. “You realize you’re the new guy. You want to fit in and then show what you can do. Everyone has watched James play for many years and knows what he’s capable of. “When you’re getting to know new teammates, I think those early interactions help. Early play on the court really helps.” -via ESPN / February 26, 2022
Second in the NBA this season with an average of 10.2 assists, Harden seemed content to try to get his teammates involved more than look for his own scoring opportunities. Perhaps his best assist was a no-look pass to a cutting Tyrese Maxey for a layup midway through the second quarter. “I can be a playmaker,” Harden said. “I can be a scorer (and) just take the shots when I need to.” -via USA Today Sports / February 26, 2022
[Highlight] Embiid on Harden debut: “You should’ve seen my face every single time, especially in the fourth quarter…that was probably the most wide open I’ve ever been in my career. I used to have to work for everything…never had this, nothing close to it. I think we can be way better than that.” -via reddit / February 26, 2022