On February 26, Beijing time, the 76ers won 133-102 away to the Timberwolves, James Harden ushered in the 76ers career debut, he played 35 minutes, 7 of 12 shots, 7 of 3 three points, 27 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists, plus or minus of the game-high +35. How does "The Great" Joel Embiid feel about hardening, the new teammate? His post-match statement has revealed the answer.
Harden's debut was perfect, he showed his absolute control of the game, only 12 shots and 12 assists in the whole game, combing the team's offense very smoothly, and only 2 turnovers. Under Harden's needle-cutting line, the 76ers started with a plus-minus of 20+ and led by more than 20 points in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter. If you have to pick up the problem with this team, it is that their bench center position is weak, Millsap Athletic is in poor form, losing a few must-score shooting opportunities, and can not make the 76ers' five small play more powerful.
Playing alongside Harden made Embiid feel that the burden on his offensive end had been reduced a lot, and he even had many times in front of him without a defender and did the ball holding, presumably not used to playing such a rich battle. Embiid played 31 minutes, 10 of 18, including 3 of 5 three-pointers, 34 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal, and he repeatedly expressed his praise for Harden after the game.
Embiid was interviewed by the media after the game, and he was asked how to evaluate his new teammate Harden, and Embiid said that just look at his expression, especially in the fourth quarter, Harden created opportunities for them, which may be the most vacant game of his career. Embiid also said that he could only rely more on himself to fight for everything, but the shooting ability and space shown by the team in the fourth quarter after Harden's arrival were not available before.
In addition to lamenting that he has won a lot of big vacancy opportunities, Embiid also praised Harden's passing magic. "Seriously, I've never had a big open space opportunity like I have today, and there's a pass, and I didn't even expect that his (Harden's) pass would come straight over. He will make our game easy, both for me and for our team-mates. Embiid said. Not only that, Embiid also posted a match photo with Harden on social media after the game, with the text: "I can't believe this is my life", expressing his feelings after being teammates with Harden.
Embiid gave a media interview with Harden after the game, during which the Emperor once smothered a bottle of mineral water. Interestingly, the mineral water bottle looked very petite in Embiid's large hand, as if we were drinking oral liquid. The funniest thing is that Harden stared at Embiid with a frightened look the whole time during embiid's drinking, and when Embiid finished drinking and saying "this is awesome", Harden couldn't help but laugh out loud.
It is worth mentioning that Embiid and Harden also practiced together after the game, and the two not only set an example on the field, but also looked very good off-court. Almost all new combinations are sweet at the beginning, and I don't know if the "Denti Combination" can always maintain excellent relationships and run well, leading the team further!