• Loading stock data...
Monday, December 9, 2024
Tune in on Dec. 11 at 1:05 p.m. ET for our last Future of Sports virtual summit of the year – Future of Sports: Marketing! Register Now

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

Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver arrives prior to the WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center.

NBA Set for China Return Five Years After Morey–Hong Kong Fiasco

The Nets and Suns will play two games in Macao in October 2025.
Sponsored

Racing Forward: How SailGP is Redefining High-Performance Sailing and Championing Gender Equality

SailGP is redefining high-performance sailing through their bold commitment to gender equality and their Women’s Performance Program.
Jan 3, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view as Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) runs across the center court logo during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center.

76ers Sweeten Arena Deal, Offer More Benefits Despite Fierce Opposition

The NBA team shows an openness to revising a key arena agreement.
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Elon Musk looks on before Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.

Can Elon Musk’s X Fix Its Rampant Fake Sports News Problem?

Little is known about how X will enforce its new policy aimed at parody accounts.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Aaron Rodgers

A Jets–Aaron Rodgers Divorce Could Get Expensive

The Jets could end up with $49 million or more in dead money.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto’s $700M Question Looms Over MLB Winter Meetings

Soto, Hall of Fame picks, and the draft lottery highlight the gathering.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto Agrees to Groundbreaking $765 Million Mets Deal

Unlike Ohtani’s Dodgers deal, the Soto contract reportedly contains no deferred money.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Luis Severino
December 5, 2024

Mere $67 Million for Pitcher Is Largest Deal in A’s History 

Severino had a strong season with the Mets after a tough 2023.
Jewell Loyd
December 5, 2024

Jewell Loyd Asks Out of Storm After Investigation Finds No Wrongdoing

Loyd reportedly filed the complaint of harassment and bullying by the coaches.
December 5, 2024

Hamilton’s Mercedes Era Ends in F1 Finale Amid Rising Tensions, Drama

Hamilton delivered eight constructors’ and six drivers’ championships for Mercedes.
Oct 14, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) hits a solo home run during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game one of the ALCS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.
December 4, 2024

Juan Soto’s $600M Free-Agent Saga Nears Endgame: The Finalists?

The coveted free-agent outfielder remains poised to sign a historic deal.