Pre 2022 Playoffs: Harden And The 76ers

Philly might be the most talented team in the NBA. They have an MVP candidate (Embiid) who lives at the free throw line, is an effective rim protector and scorer at all 3 levels, and can’t be guarded on the block. Harris and Maxey are good off the dribble scorers who typically provide an efficient 15-20 points. Green has enough playoff experience to where he can be trusted to produce as a consistent enough 3 and D player in the postseason. Thybulle is a terror defensively. I don’t remember watching anyone as good as him when it comes to recovering to players with the ball who’ve separated from him. And like Murray (Spurs), his anticipation is top tier in the passing lanes.

*He wont play in Toronto but I believe the 76ers still win the series although his part-time absence could be the biggest reason for a Philadelphia loss.

Despite all of this, I think Harden will be the deciding factor. His performance will likely be why they win or don't win a chip. Ever since he got injured (hamstring) in last year’s playoffs, Harden hasn’t been nearly as good as his peak. His 1st step isn’t as lethal and there’s been a significant drop in his field goal and 3-point %’s. What makes these issues worse is that he's a huge ball stopper. (He played a major role in Brooklyn’s game 7 loss last season because he was holding the ball too much despite his serious mobility problems). Harden also rarely takes mid-range j’s (search “Harden and the Importance of the Mid-Range Game” on my website for more detail) which makes him easier to guard against a good playoff defense. Now don’t get me wrong, that injury has healed enough to where he’s still one of the best passers and foul drawers in the game while being a 20 point scorer with good 3-point range but I’m worried that he'll stall the offense during crucial possessions with predictable step back 3's after dribbling the air out of the ball for most of the shot clock. It feels like we're headed for yet another Harden (and Doc Rivers too) 2nd round flameout. However, the Sixers have as much potential as anyone in the east. And their talent alone could land them a title if they make it to the finals.


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You likely wont agree with everything and that's ok because nobody agrees with every opinion, regardless of the subject. Just know that I tried my best to be objective as possible.

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