Joel Embiid on James Harden's performance: It was good, but we need to do it every night

To do that, the Sixers want and need the Harden who led the league in scoring three times while with the Houston Rockets. They know the playmaking version of Harden is obviously very good, but they want the ruthless scorer. The Sixers saw shades of that in Tuesday’s 118-116 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. He scored 32 points on 10-for-17 shooting, and he knocked down four 3s. “It was good, but we need to do it every night. We need to find ways to win. We need everybody, especially him, so we need to be on the same page. Like I said, we’re trying to make sure we have a chance to win it all, so it’s all about doing it every night.”
Source: Ky Carlin @ Sixers Wire

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Harden told Durant last summer he would sign extension with Nets nba.nbcsports.com/2022/03/31/rep… – 6:21 PM Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden pregame work #Sixers pic.twitter.com/MRODP7GEhP – 6:06 PM Danny Leroux @DannyLeroux
New @RealGM Radio podcast! I talk with @Adam Mares and @Derek Bodner about the dominant seasons for Jokic and Embiid, how they have developed, playoff expectations, the present/future of the NBA and much more- basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/266343… – 5:41 PM Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Well worth your time: @Michael Pina and @DanFeldmanNBA talk All-NBA — how they define it, what goes into it, and who they would choose — on this week’s PBT Podcast.
And no, they won’t put both Jokic and Embiid on first team.
nba.nbcsports.com/2022/03/31/pbt… – 4:54 PM Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Prior to this year, the most possessions that Joel Embiid finished (shot, drawn foul, turnover) as a roller in pick-and-rolls was 37. He averaged 31 such possessions per year.
He has 51 in the 15 games he’s played alongside of James Harden. – 3:56 PM Danny Leroux @DannyLeroux
New @RealGM Radio podcast! I talk with @Adam Mares and @Derek Bodner about the dominant seasons for Jokic and Embiid, how they have developed, playoff expectations, the present/future of the NBA and much more: basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/266343… – 3:06 PM CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Joel Embiid, JJ Redick discuss 76ers fans’ relationship with Ben Simmons: ‘They wanted him to shoot the ball’
cbssports.com/nba/news/joel-… – 2:06 PM NBA Math @NBA_Math
Based on their last 10 games only:
10. Luka Doncic
9. Devin Booker
8. Jayson Tatum
7. Kyrie Irving
6. Joel Embiid
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
Using our Rolling Player Ratings, @fromal09 has the latest NBA Player Power Rankings for @Sportscasting19: https://t.co/w6uj8rvObv pic.twitter.com/sph2UhunNw – 2:04 PM Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Total Minutes played in March:
Alec Burks: 535
Nikola Jokic: 510
Joel Embiid: 495
Karl-Anthony Towns: 463
Minutes per game in March:
Alec Burks: 33.5
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 33.4
Steph Curry: 33.1
Ja Morant: 33.0
Chris Paul: 33.0
Jimmy Butler: 32.5
tommybeer.substack.com/p/thibs-should… – 1:47 PM Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid from shootaround this morning #Sixers pic.twitter.com/LhfZlqVzyO – 10:54 AM StatMuse @statmuse
Most career points per minute in NBA history:
0.83 — Joel Embiid
0.79 — Michael Jordan
(Submitted by @ZackHurts) pic.twitter.com/EgzXnITZ4K – 10:01 AM Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
‘Recapping the Milwaukee Bucks’ 118-116 victory over the Sixers and James Harden’s solid game.’ by Locked On 76ers – Daily Podcast On The Philadelphia Sixers megaphone.link/LKN5816920068 – 11:09 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Kevin Porter Jr tonight:
30 PTS
12 REB
12 AST
4 3PT
11-17 FG
He joins James Harden and Russell Westbrook as the only Rockets players with a 30pt triple-double since the Olajuwon era. pic.twitter.com/tyf2QWEcE7 – 10:43 PM Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
ICYMI: Lowe Post podcast: @Tim Bontemps and @Bobby Marks on the muddled top of the East as we enter the last half-dozen games: Time Lord injury, Harden’s up-and-down play, Heat trying to find their form, much more:
Spotify: spoti.fi/3uCWzDJ
Apple: apple.co/3NxQcKq – 9:20 PM Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
Mannix’s MVP intangibles case for Embiid was solid. I’m still leaning Jokic but some good points here. The Ben Simmons soap opera wasn’t a picnic. pic.twitter.com/ImsVqySl29 – 7:50 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Player numbers when guarded by Wendell Carter Jr.
Giannis: 16-37 (43.2%)
Joel: 14-37 (37.8%)
Jokic: 12-34 (35.3%))
Lebron: 4-13 (30.8%)
Harden: 2-10 (20.0%)
Kelly Olynyk: 0-1 (0%)
Wendell has had people locked up the entire year.
#MuseTakeover pic.twitter.com/sBO944YK1b – 1:35 PM Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
A disastrous stretch with the backup unit in the second half but also a great James Harden game. Joel Embiid was very frustrated afterwards.
On Sixers-Bucks, one of the best games of the season, and another one where the Sixers’ execution came up short: theathletic.com/3218974/2022/0… – 12:15 PM Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
This cracked me up in real time and it was even more egregious on the re-watch. .
Harden pump-faked this. Who was he faking? Nobody. He’s just a very good shooter who is very much uncomfortable shooting off the catch. pic.twitter.com/n3wvAutKgr – 12:06 PM Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2019, the @Houston Rockets James Harden had 50 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 119-108 win over the Kings.
There have been 15 50-point triple-doubles in NBA history (postseason included). Harden is personally responsible for one-third of them. pic.twitter.com/BtOWA9wcGh – 12:01 PM JD Shaw @JShawNBA
NBA’s best from March 29:
– K. Durant: 41 pts, 11 reb, 3 blk
– Giannis: 40 pts, 14 reb, 6 ast
– L. Doncic: 34 pts, 12 reb, 12 ast
– P. George: 34 pts, 6 ast, 4 stl
– D. DeRozan: 32 pts, 7 reb, 2 stl
– J. Harden: 32 pts, 5 reb, 9 ast
– J. Embiid: 29 pts, 14 reb, 7 ast – 10:39 AM Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
As they continue to work things out, Philadelphia wants James Harden to get aggressive on the offensive end #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/lists/joel-emb… via @SixersWire – 9:07 AM Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Giannis is the MVP.
What are we doing?
Bucks are easily best team in the East.
What are we doing?
Nets have 2.5 players.
Celtics just lost their only prayer of stopping Giannis.
Heat best offensive player is their 6th man.
Philly zero depth + Harden history.
It’s the Bucks. – 8:58 AM Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
‘Recapping the Milwaukee #Bucks‘ 118-116 victory over the #Sixers and James Harden’s solid game.’ by Locked On 76ers – Daily Podcast On The Philadelphia Sixers megaphone.link/LKN5816920068 – 7:22 AM StatMuse @statmuse
Most career 30 point triple-doubles:
106 – Robertson
48 – Westbrook
37 – LeBron
35 – Harden
21 – Luka, Wilt pic.twitter.com/1vwkCCBWDx – 11:27 PM Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Harden called the Sixers’ late-game execution “a work in progress”: “ something that we have to be detailed on and be focused on. … The last two teams we’ve played, execution in the fourth quarter was top-tier, and that’s where we need to be, basically, the entire game” – 10:39 PM Gina Mizell @ginamizell
James Harden and Doc Rivers had a chat today about Harden being more aggressive and looking to score. Harden: “I’m trying to get it right. I’m trying to be the best James Harden I can be, and I’m trying to make sure that I’m doing the things necessary to help my team win… – 10:38 PM Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Not the result the Sixers wanted, but they took the defending champs down to the final possession AND Harden looked close to his former self against a really good team:
thepaintedlines.com/sixers-lose-cl… – 10:10 PM Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Doc Rivers said he talked with James Harden today, told him, “We need you to be you” and focus on scoring. Rivers thought tonight was a “big step” for Harden. – 9:45 PM Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Terrific game to be at tonight. Not a lot of negative from me — great Harden game and a lot of stuff that suggests this team is capable of getting to a high level against elite competition. Gotta figure out ways to close, though
phillyvoice.com/instant-observ… – 9:36 PM Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sixers lose to Milwaukee, 118-116. Another blown lead. Had chances down the stretch but came up a little short on some final possessions.
Do think Sixers can take some solace in the fact that James Harden looked that good against that team, who was giving a playoff-level effort. – 9:28 PM Gina Mizell @ginamizell
FINAL: Bucks 118, Sixers 116 thanks to Giannis’ game-saving block to go along with 40 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Embiid had 29-14-7. Harden with 32-5-9. Sixers will drop to fourth in the tightly packed East standings.
Again, sign me up for this as a playoff series. – 9:28 PM Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
108-106 #Bucks over #76ers with 4:55 to go in regulation.
Should be fun.
Antetokounmpo: 35/14reb
Middleton: 22/8/7
Holiday: 13/6/9
Embiid: 26/9/6
Harden: 32/8ast.
Harris: 20/10/5 – 9:10 PM Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
James Harden’s 32 points tonight mark his new scoring high with the @Philadelphia 76ers.
32 PTS / 5 REB / 8 AST
9-14 fg / 4-8 3fg / 10-12 FT – 9:09 PM Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Big step back jumper by James Harden cuts Milwaukee’s lead to 108-105 with 4:55 remaining. With these teams tied in the standings and the season series, these next five minutes very well may determine who finishes ahead in the East standings. Pretty huge implications. – 9:09 PM Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden has a new Sixer-high with 32 points. That triple brings Philadelphia to within 108-105 with 4:55 left. #Sixers – 9:08 PM Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Harden has his first 30-point game as a Sixer. – 9:08 PM Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
James Harden had a wide open 3 at the top on the swing. Didn’t even look at the rim. Considering he’ll get looks like that next month…not good – 9:06 PM Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
That was the downside to the new stagger. No Embiid or Harden, Bucks counter with all three of their best players and cut the lead down.
Embiid is checking back in now. Looks like we’re gonna get close to 40 minutes for all the big guns. – 8:59 PM Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Timeout by Doc Rivers after a Khris Middleton bucket in the lane makes it 93-91 Philly with 9:22 remaining. Milwaukee took advantage of a lineup with no Harden and Embiid out there for the first part of the fourth to set up what should be a very fun final nine minutes. – 8:58 PM Gina Mizell @ginamizell
There was the Bucks’ push to start the fourth, with Giannis in and Embiid and Harden on the bench. Sixers’ lead down to 93-91 with 9:22 to play. Embiid was at the scorer’s table when Doc called timeout. – 8:57 PM Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
The Sixers play better when Embiid and Harden are in the game. #subscribe #analysis – 8:57 PM Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
76ers 89, Bucks 81 after 3. James Harden has 28 and 8, in what so far has been his best game in a Philly uniform. Giannis Antetokounmpo has 28-11-6 for Milwaukee. – 8:51 PM Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Sixers 89, Bucks 81 at the end of the third. Giannis up to 28-11-6 after a burst at to close that period, including that dunk in the final seconds. Harden has 29-5-8. Embiid with 21-8-6. Should be a fun finish. – 8:50 PM Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden has tied his Sixer-high with 29 points. He also has 8 assists and 5 rebounds as Philly takes an 89-81 lead after 3. #Sixers – 8:49 PM Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
One of the Bucks’ major goals in every game is keeping teams off the free throw line.
It’s especially important against teams with dudes that live at the line.
After three quarters, James Harden has shot 12 free throws. – 8:49 PM Michael C. Wright @mikecwright
Not gon lie: Harden ballin. Sixers will definitely be a problem if THIS is the James they get in the playoffs. – 8:43 PM Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Jrue Holiday misses a fastbreak layup = Harden free throws.
Giannis Antetokounmpo misses an uncontested 6-footer and putback = Embiid basket to put the #76ers up 10 again… – 8:28 PM Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
That might have been the best half James Harden has played as a 76er. 16 points on 5-for-7 shooting, 2-for-4 from 3, with three rebounds and five assists, and he showed good burst getting to the rim. That’s the version of him Philly needs to have to make a deep run. – 8:18 PM Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Fun half of basketball, Sixers lead 61-51. Strong start by Harden, strong middle from Harris, strong close by Embiid. Sixers shoot 9-18 from deep.
Do think the Bucks are looming. Giannis is creating some great 3-point looks with his drives, they just haven’t hit a ton of them. – 8:07 PM Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
#Sixers lead the Bucks 61-51 at the half, with Harden (16/3/5 on 5-7 shooting), Embiid (13 on 4-11) and Harris (10 on 4-7) leading the way. Sixers have just four turnovers at the break, most of which came in the game’s first few minutes. Milwaukee’s shooting just 6-19 from 3. – 8:06 PM Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Halftime: Sixers 61, Bucks 51. Sixers are shooting 9-of-18 from 3, while the Bucks are 6-of-19. Harden with 16-3-5. Embiid with 13-4-5. Harris with 10-4-3. Giannis with 17-5-4. Sixers have also turned 8 Bucks turnovers into 9 points. – 8:06 PM Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
The @Philadelphia 76ers lead the Bucks by 10 at halftime, 61-51.
Harden: 16 PTS / 3 REB / 5 AST
Embiid: 13 PTS / 4 REB / 5 AST
Harris: 10 PTS / 4 REB / 3 AST
Maxey: 7 PTS / 4 AST
Green: 6 PTS / 2 REB – 8:06 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Ibaka really has nothing for this Harden-Embiid pick and roll. Gotta imagine Lopez plays a bit more in the second half than the first half. – 8:06 PM Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Harden airballed a catch-and-shoot 3 earlier in the half (his only miss so far). So when he had that 2nd catch-and-shoot attempt, you knew one rhythm dribble was coming. He converted this one. – 8:03 PM Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Harden at QB? – 7:55 PM Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
3s on back-to-back possessions from Maxey and Harris and the Sixers, who struggled for much of the first quarter, have taken a 39-37 lead midway through the 2nd. Harden has 12 on 4-5 shooting to lead the way, with 7 from Harris and 6 from Green off bench. Embiid just 1-7 so far. – 7:48 PM Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Harden looks more spry to start this one, good attacking quarter for him. – 7:36 PM Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Fun first quarter here in Philly, where the Bucks lead 27-24. 10 points on perfect 5-for-5 shooting for Giannis Antetokounmpo, while James Harden had 12 and had two and-ones – including on a 3-point attempt. – 7:36 PM Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Bucks 27, Sixers 24 at the end of the first. Harden with 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting. Embiid is 1-of-6 from the floor and did not go to the free-throw line. Giannis with 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting and 5 boards. – 7:35 PM Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Bucks lead 27-24 after one. Harden leads all scorers with 12 points on 4-5 shooting. Giannis A. has 10 for the Bucks. – 7:35 PM Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Sixers teetered dangerously close to dead in that first quarter. Harden came alive. – 7:35 PM Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Harden with 3 strong finishes of varying difficulties against a decent interior defense already tonight. Seems to have some burst. – 7:20 PM Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Interesting to see Milwaukee starting out with Wes Matthews both starting and starting on James Harden. Good start for Harden early on, who is already 3-for-3 for 7 points and has converted an and-one for Philly. – 7:16 PM Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden with a few aggressive driver to start this game. He’s looking to score too which is something that he needs to focus on instead of looking to draw the foul. #Sixers – 7:15 PM Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Harden’s first drive to the bucket results in an and-1. Good sign for him, given the ay he has struggled to finish and the rim. – 7:14 PM Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Wesley Matthews on James Harden and Jrue Holiday on Tyrese Maxey to open things tonight. – 7:11 PM Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
During his pregame media session, #Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer referenced a few times how #76ers guard Tyrese Maxey had given them problems.
With Maxey-James Harden-Tobias Harris-Matisse Thybulle joining Joel Embiid, Milwaukee added Wesley Matthews to its starting lineup. – 6:50 PM Dave Early @DavidEarly
“There’s a lot of smoke about Beal’s FA decision. People are talking about the Philly outcome, right, with the potential for Harden to take less money, it could be maybe a sign-and-trade with Tobias….”
@Jake Fischer joins me on
bit.ly/3IJFLA0 – 4:37 PM Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Tonight is THE gauge for Sixers before the playoffs. Identical record with Bucks. Battle for MVP. Will James Harden show up in the fourth ? – 12:37 PM Krishna Narsu @knarsu3
Should the Sixers just rest Harden till the playoffs? He clearly looked his best coming off that rest after the all-star break. Or do they need time to continue to get chemistry? – 11:43 PM

More on this storyline

After two games playing alongside James Harden, it took a single word for Joel Embiid to describe how he felt about the way the two superstars are fitting together in the Philadelphia 76ers’ offense. “Unstoppable,” Embiid said with a smile after finishing with 37 points — including 23 free throws made on 27 attempts (the most attempts by any player in a single game in nearly three years). He also added nine rebounds and four blocked shots in Philadelphia’s 125-109 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon. -via ESPN / February 28, 2022 “What are you really going to do?” Embiid said. “He’s a great passer, and obviously I’ve got someone that attracts a lot of attention to him, so you’ve got to make a decision. Do you stay on me, or do you stay on him? And if you want to guard both of us with the other guys, now you’ve got Matisse diving to the rim or wide-open shooters that have got one job to do, and that’s make shots. That’s all we got to keep doing. -via ESPN / February 28, 2022 Tim Bontemps: Joel Embiid when asked about how he feels about the two-man game with James Harden: “Unstoppable.” -via Twitter @TimBontemps / February 27, 2022