• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Harden’s No-Show in Big Games Should Worry Sixers

  • The 76ers mortgaged their future for a player with a poor track record in big games.
  • On Tuesday, he shot 3-of-17 from the field in a primetime matchup against Brooklyn.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

James Harden is notorious for choking in big games — and Thursday’s performance (3-17 FG) indicated that nothing has really changed. 

And despite the Sixers’ recent win streak since acquiring him, the 29-point blowout to the Nets suggests that Brooklyn might’ve won this trade.

It’s only one game, but it could be a troubling sign for a Sixers team that arguably mortgaged their future for a player with a poor track record in big games.

  • Harden is 9-12 in elimination games — averaging 24 PPG on 42.5% shooting and 32.5% from three (minus-17).
  • His minus-30 on Thursday was tied for a game-worst; by comparison, Seth Curry — part of the Harden trade — was a plus-26.
  • He finished 0-10 on two-point FGs, becoming just the second player after Russell Westbrook this season to do so inside the arc.

In June, Harden will opt into the final year of his deal ($47.3M). Two months later, he’ll likely sign a four-year, $223 million contract ($55.8M AAV) — and in 2026, he’d become the first $60 million player in NBA history.

Despite the embarrassing loss, he went out to “celebrate” with hip-hop artists Travis Scott and Lil Baby. The Nets were not fond of his preference for nightlife over the gym during his time in Brooklyn.

Last night’s rout justified Brooklyn’s status as third-favorites to win the Finals (+500*) — and the Sixers’ spot behind them (+650*).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Warriors $75M Pitch Fails to Sway Kuminga As Season Looms

Kuminga and his representatives want a long-term deal.

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
Aug 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws a pass during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium.

Giants Sell Minority Stake to Kochs at Reported $10B Valuation

It’s the latest in a flurry of minority-stake deals for NFL teams.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Kawhi Leonard

A Timeline of the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers-Aspiration Saga

Investigations into the Clippers’ business dealings with Leonard date back years.
September 11, 2025

NHL To Allow Players From Hockey Canada Trial To Return This Winter

The five Canadian players were all acquitted in July.
Joe Burrow
September 15, 2025

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 8, 2025

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.
September 7, 2025

Alcaraz Beats Sinner, Wins $5M Prize, Reclaims World No. 1

Alcaraz won a record $5 million first prize at the US Open.
Angel Reese
September 5, 2025

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.
Caitlin Clark
September 4, 2025

Caitlin Clark Says She Won’t Return From Injury This Year

She only played 13 games this season.