3 observations after Sixers lose dramatic, controversial game in Harden’s return

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3 observations after Sixers lose dramatic, controversial game in Harden’s return originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

James Harden’s first game back in Philadelphia since being traded from the Sixers had no shortage of drama.

Down 108-107 to the Clippers with 5.1 seconds left, the Sixers won a jump ball at center court. Kelly Oubre Jr. drove into the paint and came up empty, though he was incredulous that no foul was called against Paul George on the play.

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was furious after the final whistle and also did not hold back in expressing his displeasure at the no-call.

In the end, the Sixers dropped to 39-34 this season and the Clippers improved to 45-27.

Tyrese Maxey posted 26 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

George was the Clippers’ top scorer with 22 points. Harden had 16 points and 14 assists.

The Sixers were down Joel Embiid (left knee meniscus procedure), De’Anthony Melton (lumbar spine bone stress) and Robert Covington (left knee bone bruise).

Nurse said pregame that he thinks there’s “a very good likelihood (Embiid) will return before the play-in, playoffs.”

As for Covington, Nurse said the 33-year-old forward has been “making some progress.” He called Melton “not as close yet,” but Nurse said he was still hopeful both Covington and Melton would return before the conclusion of the regular season.

The Sixers now have nine regular-season games left. They’ll play five of their next six on the road, starting with a matchup Friday night against the Cavaliers.

Here are observations on their loss Wednesday:

Sixers’ defense starts in top gear 

No one expected Harden would get a warm reception.

Indeed, he was booed loudly during starting lineup introductions and whenever he touched the ball.

Those boos shifted to cheers when Harden missed his first two three-point tries and caught a George pass with his foot on the sideline. George and Kawhi Leonard were off their games early, too. The Clippers’ star trio combined to begin 0 for 6 from the field.

The Sixers’ defense was outstanding in the first quarter, holding the Clippers to 18 points. The team’s ability to…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-observations-sixers-lose-dramatic-044943508.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2024-03-28 04:49:43

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