On April 1, Beijing time, it seems that the honeymoon period between Harden and the 76ers has ended. After a upset defeat to the Second-to-Last Pistons in the East, who had missed the playoffs, Rivers criticized Harden by name after the game.
In this game, Harden performed badly, playing 38 minutes, shooting 4 of 15, 9 of 2 of three-pointers, 8 of 9 from the free throw line, 18 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 turnovers, and in the entire second half, he shot only 1 of 8.
The 76ers collapsed in the fourth quarter, and throughout the fourth quarter, they scored just 15 points. After the game, 76ers coach Rivers criticized Harden, "I don't think our benches are struggling a bit, they don't even get a lot of shots. Rivers said that harden should be more responsible for this loss.
Rivers also wants Harden to be a more aggressive scorer rather than being at the heart of the organization. "We need you to think of yourself as a scorer, not the way you play in Brooklyn, you don't need to be a point guard and try to control the team."
Rivers' criticism of Harden sparked a heated discussion, with fans ridiculing the caution that Harden was leaving again and leaving for Miami this summer.
For Rivers's criticism, the famous Chris Broussard agreed, "Harden kept dribbling, holding the ball too much, and the 76ers' offense stalled." Their offense is Harden one-on-one, Embiid one-on-one. ”
It is worth mentioning that Chris Broussard also said, "If Harden chooses to leave the team again, then he will completely ruin his reputation." ”
Harden is indeed going to wake up, according to statistics, the last 6 games, his fourth quarter performance is a nightmare. Shot 4-of-19, 1-of-9 three-pointers, plus-minus -31. To win the championship, Harden needs to find his own position.