In the first game after the All-Star, Harden ushered in the debut of joining the 76ers, in order to better physical condition, he gave up the opportunity to play in the All-Star game to rest at ease, the 76ers attach great importance to Harden's health, in order to let him completely get rid of the influence of hamstring, specially invited hamstring experts, which is in stark contrast to Nash's "Harden is okay" during the Nets period, according to the news, Durant even once doubted the extent of Harden's hamstring injury, it can be seen that the Nets' various actions made Harden completely cold, and then chose to leave.
After more than 10 days of rest, Harden showed his best self since the season in the game against the Timberwolves, the first goal was shaken off Edwards to complete a 2+1, the dribbling rate and starting speed of this ball is like the peak of the Rockets' period Harden, it can be seen that his hamstring recovery is quite good, the whole game he only used 12 shots, he got 27 points, 8 boards and 12 assists, although not as explosive as the Rockets and Nets debut, but played very easily, plus or minus as high as +35 in the game.
The most critical thing is that Harden only played 35 minutes in this game, to know that in the Nets period, the team completely treated him as a mercenary, allowing Durant to be injured, spoiling Irving, Harden played more than 40 minutes per game, but also endured the unfair voices of the outside world, Rivers compared to Nash is too fierce, in the third quarter with 2 minutes and 24 seconds left, the team led the opponent by 25 points, Rivers replaced Harden, and then the Timberwolves began to chase points, if replaced by Nash, it will definitely change Harden to control the court immediately, Rivers, on the other hand, would rather be chased for points than allow Harden to get enough rest.
In fact, people familiar with Harden know that Harden scores more efficiently when he is physically energetic, the turnover rate is lower, if the third quarter does not give him these few minutes of rest time, the team will not necessarily prevent the Timberwolves from chasing points, but also lead to the fourth quarter Harden can not get the time to rest, and even due to physical weakness caused by the team collapse to form a vicious circle, and the third quarter after a short break, so that Harden in the fourth quarter after returning to maintain a very high competitive state, in the face of downs formed a small play big opportunity, he hit 2 consecutive three-pointers, There was also a 3+1, which took only 7 and a half minutes in a single quarter to contribute 7 points, 2 boards and 4 assists, instantly pulling the score to 27 points, and finally clocking in early to leave work.
Rivers was selected for the league's 15 top 15 coaches, in addition to a few embarrassing 1-3 reversals, his coaching level is still very high, compared to Nash's illogical use, whether it is the use of lineup collocation or suspension is very in place, although only one game, but his use of Harden is very reasonable, in Embiid's absence, Harden led the team to play five small, equipped with enough outside threats, so that Harden found the most comfortable way to play, especially Rivers is a well-known chicken soup master, Can improve Harden's mental attributes, I believe that Harden will be completely activated under his hands, as long as Harden plays a top personal performance, coupled with this season's MVP level performance of Embiid, the 76ers' goal this season is only to compete for the championship, I hope Harden can realize the dream of the championship, let's look forward to it together!