After another solid performance from NBA MVP candidate Joel Embiid and an impressive showing for Tyrese Maxey, the Philadelphia 76ers now have a commanding 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series with the Brooklyn Nets.
With the Nets not being the powerhouse they once were, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving leading the charge, Philadelphia is expected to come out on top in this series and potentially advance in four straight games.
However, there is some concern about superstar guard James Harden, who had another poor playoff performance on Monday night, which seems to be the norm for the 10-time All-Star.
Harden finished with eight points in Game 2, shooting an ugly 3-for-13 from the floor, which prompted Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports to go in on the superstar’s poor playoff track record.
“James Harden now is a glorified role player with a shoe deal and lots of fashion.”
— @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/OLe0d2JMHm
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) April 18, 2023
There’s no doubt that Harden is one of the best regular-season players the NBA has ever seen, with the ability to light up the scoreboard on any given night, but the playoff success isn’t there as he becomes a different player when the lights are the brightest.
Harden’s days as the No. 1 option on a title-contending team are over, as he has regressed over the last few years while frequently battling injuries.
In Philadelphia, Harden is Embiid’s sidekick and a solid one at that, as he’s become more of a distributor, but his playoff woes could ultimately sink the 76ers this year and beyond if they try to lean on him.
Fortunately, Maxey is becoming a force to be reckoned with, which bodes well for the 76ers; it could continue to be a tough stretch for Harden in these playoffs.
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