Philadelphia lost 132-139 to the Hawks in overtime, and Embiid continued to miss out with a left knee injury. In games without Embiid this season, Philadelphia has won less than 30 percent. This is what we call James Harden important, don't look at everyone who has been questioning Harden, what joined Philadelphia before the second round, after joining is also the second round. In fact, Harden's role is underestimated, and he is Embiid's insurance first and foremost.
With Harden, even if Embiid is injured, the team still has a core to lead the team. Philadelphia, third in the East last season, led a 60 percent win rate in Embiid's absence. It can be said that Harden is the basic plate of Philadelphia's guarantee, and he can ensure his record with him in Philadelphia. Of course, Harden's role is not only Embiid's insurance, he is also excellent at leading the team. For example, Embiid missed the last game of the Nets in the first round last year, and Harden led the team to eliminate the Nets and enter the semifinals.
Embiid missed the first game in the second round, and Harden scored 40+ points to win away from Boston. A Reed can feed Harden to takeoff, and then Embiid returns, and Harden C another 40+ score, a 20+10 perfect command game. In fact, judging from his performance against the Celtics, Harden is above Embiid. This is also why Embiid was also very reluctant when Harden forced the palace, but he understood Harden. After all, Harden didn't leave the team because he hated him, but Philadelphia didn't give him a maximum salary.
On the Hawks' side, Trae Young had 28 points and 11 assists, Murray had 25 points, Johnson had 25 points, 16 boards, 7 assists and 2 blocks, and Okongu had 19 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. On the Philadelphia side, Maxey scored 35 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists, and left the court with 6 fouls in the end, Harris scored 32 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, and the two of them scored 67+18+13 in fact, they did their best. As Maxey said after the game, he hopes Embiid can come back and misses the days when he had Harden last season.
Because when he has Harden, Maxey is like Irving when he was with the Nets. Harden was in charge of delivering the ammo, Maxey finishing the score, a point guard, and a point guard. Now that Harden is gone, Embiid is getting injured again. And Embiid must have enough attendance if he wants to win the MVP, and if he continues to be injured like this, there will be fewer and fewer MVP opportunities left for Embiid. The Clippers only sent Covington, and Mo Jr. and Batum got Harden in the first round, and it seemed that Philadelphia made money at the time, but so far the Clippers have made money.
Ironically, Philadelphia's record is 23-13 after today, while the Clippers are 24-13. With Harden's help, the Clippers set sail to surpass Philadelphia, which had a strong start. Pepper now drops possession as the finisher, Harden is in charge of dealing, and Zubac keeps blocking and eating cakes. Today's Clippers are quite champions, but Philadelphia is on the losing track. When Harden was traded to the Clippers, Embiid said he wanted to play with Harden in the Finals.
But looking at it now, Embiid should wake up, the Finals are impossible. In addition, Philadelphia also lost his wife and soldiers, they refused to give Harden an annual salary of 40 million, just to grab the pepper in 24, but today the Clippers have renewed Leonard in advance, and George is also negotiating a contract extension, which means that Philadelphia has nothing to sign even if they make room for it this offseason. It can only be said that Clippers owner Ballmer made a lot of money, and he stud to get Harden to usher in double returns. The team has not only solved the organizational problems that have been striking, but also the interior problems, and now Zubac has given the illusion that the Clippers still need a starting five with the help of Harden.