The Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated again in the second round of the playoffs. In Game 6 against the Miami Heat, the offense was particularly disappointing in the second half, also because James Harden remained without points. The guard explained himself and also spoke about his possible free agency.
The 32-year-old played 23 of the 24 minutes after the break in the 90-99 loss in Game 6 against the Miami Heat, but only took two shots and failed to score. The nine-time All-Star played 4 assists, but also managed 3 turnovers, including this oneat which the Sixers fans booed loudly.
In 43 minutes, Harden had 11 points (4/9 FG, 3/7 threes) and 9 assists, but also didn’t take a single free throw. That had never happened to the former MVP in at least 40 minutes of play in his 13 years in the NBA. However, Harden had a simple explanation for his pointless second half: “We ran our offense and then I just couldn’t get the ball anymore.”
Head coach Doc Rivers was also tight-lipped after indirectly criticizing point guard Ben Simmons after a weak elimination game last year by questioning whether the Australian could be the playmaker of a championship team. “I’m not going to make a referendum out of this because of James. We win as a team and we lose as a team,” Rivers said of Harden’s presentation.
Rivers then also said that the team would learn from the defeat and build on it. Whether Harden will be part of this development is still unclear. Contrary to expectations, the 32-year-old didn’t exercise his $47.4 million player option after the Brooklyn trade (he later claimed he forgot) and could theoretically leave the Sixers again as a free agent in the summer.
James Harden wants to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers
After the game, of course, questions about his future came up and Harden asserted that he would also appear for the Sixers in the coming season. Harden’s possible contract extension is still hanging over everything, with the option he could pocket a total of $ 270 million over the next five years – it would be the largest contract in NBA history.
At least Harden left a door open that he might sign in Philadelphia for less money. “Whatever it takes to help the team develop,” said the Star Guard about a possible discount for the Sixers.
Regardless of Game 6 against the Heat, Harden played very changeable playoffs, in twelve games the 32-year-old had 18.6 points, 8.6 assists and 4.2 turnovers with 40.5 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from the field Line of three – Stats well below his career average.
NBA Playoffs: Sixers vs. Heat – The series at a glance
| Spiel | Datum | time | Heim | away | result |
| 1 | May 3rd | 1:30 | Miami Heat | Philadelphia 76ers | 106:92 |
| 2 | 5th of May | 1:30 | Miami Heat | Philadelphia 76ers | 119:103 |
| 3 | May 7 | 1 O ‘clock | Philadelphia 76ers | Miami Heat | 99:79 |
| 4 | 9th of May | 2 O ‘clock | Philadelphia 76ers | Miami Heat | 116:108 |
| 5 | 11. May | 1:30 | Miami Heat | Philadelphia 76ers | 120:85 |
| 6 | 13. May | 1 O ‘clock | Philadelphia 76ers | Miami Heat | 90:99 |
