The 76ers managed to even up the Eastern Conference Semifinals series 2-2 against the Celtics thanks to a magnificent performance by James Harden. Harden finished the game with 42 points, including a game-winning three-pointer with only 19 seconds left to play in overtime.
What may have helped inspire Harden’s game-winning shot is the gospel song he played while driving to the game. After the game, he revealed that Philadelphia’s head coach, Doc Rivers, had sent him the song.
“I told my homies, ‘Let’s play the song.’ I let the whole song play. And I’m like, ‘Aright there’s gotta be some kind of good juju in this song.’ I guess it worked,” Harden said, according to Rich Hofmann.
While some may dismiss the significance of such a gesture, it’s clear that the song had an impact on Harden’s performance. The victory not only ties the series but also gives the 76ers a boost of momentum heading into Game 5.
