Harden dreamed of returning to the top, and spoke out domineeringly after the game, but Embiid showed his stuff

Nerd basketball

2024-04-29 08:26Published in Jiangxi

In the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Clippers and the Mavericks are in full swing. In this stormy matchup, Harden was like a sharp sword, penetrating the opponent's defense, scoring 33 points and pulling the Clippers back from the edge of the cliff. His performance was like a dream back to the top and the fans went crazy. After the game, Harden faced the camera with a firm look in his eyes and an undeniable domineering voice in his voice.

He said: "Today is a back-to-back game, you can't go back home with 1-3. Success or failure. I've been lucky enough to be able to change my form and be an assister and a scorer, and I've always done that throughout my career. I joined the Clippers with the mentality of winning at all costs. These words showed his desire and determination to win.

Harden was flawless, shooting 12-of-17, 4-of-5 from three-point range and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line, and his scoring was jaw-dropping. His 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal and 1 block fully demonstrated his dominance on the court. And his 15 points in the final quarter saved the Clippers from their predicament.

At the same time, Embiid, Harden's former partner, showed fatigue after Harden's departure. The 76ers lost 92-97 at home to the Knicks, bringing the series to 1-3. Embiid had a disappointing performance, shooting poorly from the field, playing 44 minutes, shooting 7-of-19 from the field, 1-of-6 from three-point range, 12-of-14 from the free-throw line, finishing with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks, and he finished the final quarter with 1 point and 1 rebound on 0-of-5 shooting. In the first three games, Embiid scored 6 points on 0-of-5 shooting, 5 points on 2-of-6 shooting, and 15 points on 1-of-2 (12-of-13 free throws), and he combined for 18 points and 3 points in the final quarter of the series, which was in stark contrast to Harden's excellent performance.

After the game, Embiid faced an interview with reporters, although his words revealed his desire for victory and confidence in himself, but his words could not hide his tiredness and helplessness. "Now it's a matter of thinking about one game at a time," he said. We know we're good enough. Tonight, we couldn't pitch and then we had to continue to believe in ourselves. These words, although they reveal his tenacity and determination, also make people feel the pressure and exhaustion in his heart.

Embiid showed a hint of anger and disappointment when talking about the home fans' MVP call for Brunson. "It's disappointing," he said. It's unfortunate. I'm not blaming them, but it's disappointing. I've never seen anything like it. I've been here for 10 years and that makes me a little. Because I feel like Philadelphia is considered a sports city. So this shouldn't be happening. These words made people feel his dissatisfaction and disappointment with the fans.

Two players, two destinies. Harden has been rejuvenated with the Clippers, and his performance has given a glimpse of his prime. And Embiid, after Harden left, was in trouble. Their comparison begs the question: What allowed Harden to thrive on a new team, while Embiid got bogged down?

Perhaps, this is the charm of basketball. Anything is possible in this arena. Yesterday's heroes may become today's passers-by, and today's predicament may become tomorrow's turning point. In any case, we are looking forward to them showing their better selves in the next games and bringing us more exciting games and stories.

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