MY ACCOUNT
James Harden declared Philadelphia “feels like home” after starring on his home debut for the 76ers in their 123-108 victory against the New York Knicks.
After playing his part in road wins over the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Knicks, all eyes were on Harden for his Wells Fargo Center bow on Wednesday.
The 10-time NBA All-Star did not disappoint as he dazzled with 26 points, nine assists and as many rebounds to make it three wins from three since arriving from the Brooklyn Nets.
Harden missed the 76ers’ previous home game with a niggling hamstring injury but took little time to settle into his new surroundings, roared on by a capacity crowd.
Reflecting on his first home game for his new side, Harden said he feels extra motivated to repay supporters.
“It’s just exciting. The love, the fans, it feels like home,” he said. “Just the love, the support, man, from looking around, hearing, ‘We love you James.’
“That right there makes me go out and play harder, and I just wanted to do whatever it takes to get the win.
“I feel like you can put me anywhere in the room and I can fit in. Here is no different. Just see what you have and try your best to fit in.
“I’ve got to be the best James Harden I can be in every aspect.”
The Sixers have now won four in a row and trail Eastern Conference leaders the Miami Heat by just three games ahead of Saturday’s showdown in Florida, which comes hot on the heels of Friday’s meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Every game for us is gonna be tough,” Harden added. “We’re new, we’re fairly new, we’re still learning each other.
“Every game is going to be a learning experience for us, and we’ve got to just find ways to continue to chip away, continue to get better, win or lose.
“Obviously it’s better when you win to figure it out, but it’s going to be great tests for us and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Harden has accrued 82 points across his first three games for the Sixers, totalling 110 minutes on the court, for an average of 27.3 points per game.
That compares to 22.5 across 44 games for the Nets this season.
Despite Harden’s efforts, it was Joel Embiid who led the scoring for Philadelphia against the Knicks with 27 points in another encouraging individual and team display.
While it is still early on, Embiid is just as excited as the supporters about what Harden can bring to the side.
“I mean, we all just fit together,” Embiid said. “You’ve got someone in James that comes in with his experience and his playmaking ability, scoring ability
“You add up what he adds and he’s been amazing, and what we have on the team. It all fits.”
