In his anticipated return to Philadelphia, James Harden of the Los Angeles Clippers delivered a solid performance, notching 16 points and 14 assists against the 76ers.
The Clippers narrowly edged past the Sixers in a tense 108-107 victory, marked by Kawhi Leonard’s crucial plays down the stretch.
From the moment Harden stepped onto the court, he was met with a chorus of boos and relentless heckling from the Philadelphia crowd, a reception he anticipated but found puzzling.
Reflecting on the hostility, Harden shrugged it off, expressing uncertainty about the reason behind the fans’ reaction. “I expected it. I really don’t know what it’s about, but I expected it. So it is what it is,” Harden said postgame.
However, when confronted about the possibility of repairing his fractured relationship with Daryl Morey, the Sixers’ president of basketball operations, Harden’s response was unequivocal.
In a candid moment, Harden bluntly stated, “No. Hell no,” signaling a definitive end to any prospects of reconciliation with Morey.
Harden’s firm stance stems from a perceived betrayal by Morey, who allegedly failed to honor a promised contract extension, leading to Harden’s trade request to the Clippers.
