On March 24, the NBA regular season ended a focus battle, with the Philadelphia 76ers defeating the Lakers on the road to usher in a two-game winning streak. Harden played 36 minutes and shot 7-of-18 from the field, including 1-of-6 from three-point range and 9-of-10 from the free throw line, and set a record of 24 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. In the game, Harden was injured at one point, but he insisted on fighting and performed strongly. In the final moments, Harden's mistake was snatched by Wei Shao, and it almost led to tragedy.
Early in the first quarter, Harden missed a throw after a series of breakthroughs, and Embiid made a dunk to break the scoring drought. Harden has connected with Embiid many times, and the effect is good. It wasn't until the middle of the first quarter that Harden broke through to a layup and opened his scoring account. Harden missed a three-pointer, Howard complained about a technical foul, and Harden scored. Harden's long three-pointers in the front did not shoot, but soon Harden assisted Niang to shoot consecutive three-pointers. Harden didn't feel good in the first quarter, and it was more about helping the team through passing and organizing.
In the middle of the second quarter, Harden stepped on the field, and as soon as he came up, he assisted Harris to hit a three-pointer, and the 76ers rebounded the score. Harden then assisted on Maxi's jump shot. Harden defended less, causing opponents to make mistakes, Embiid completed the steal, harden's pursuit of three-pointers is still missing. Harris assisted Harden's layup. Harden broke through and scored, embiid's jump shot was steady. Harden's basket was blocked by Howard, and Harden only had 2-of-10 in the first half, with 5 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists.
In the third quarter, Harden scored 16 points in a single quarter, he scored against a layup, Johnson ate a technical offense, and Harden scored on a free throw. Harden successfully scored with a throw. Facing the defense of former teammate Anthony, Harden committed a foul on a three-pointer, and he hit all three free throws. Harden hit a three-pointer from the bottom corner and scored consecutive points. Harden assisted Embiid to score on a layup, and then he burst in and threw a shot. It was Anthony's foul again, and Harden hit both free throws. Harden broke through and fell to the ground, slowed down, the team doctor came up to check, Harden returned to the locker room, he scored 21 points in three quarters.
In the fourth quarter, Harden returned to the bench, and soon he was back on the court, assisting Maxi's three-pointer to widen the gap to nine points. Harden scored a throw to help the team's lead widen to double digits. Harden was directly snatched by Westbrook, but fortunately the 76ers withstood the pressure and successfully won the victory.
It can be seen that Harden's ability to adjust is still very strong, even if it is only 2 of 10 in the first half, but in the third quarter, he covered his legs at the beginning and shot down 16 points in a single quarter with injuries, proving himself. Harden also delivered key assists after returning, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a good result.