Sixers-Raptors game three takeaways: James Harden’s steady hand
James Harden was excellent in Game 3. He did exactly what the Sixers needed him to do — hit timely shots in the first half, settle down a flustered offense, and keep Philadelphia within striking distance ahead of Embiid’s third quarter explosion. The Sixers don’t win Game 3 without James Harden. He was the best player on the court through 2.5 quarters, and his trademark patience is what allowed to Philadelphia to prevent Toronto from running away with the game before halftime.
He only scored 19 points, yes, but he did so efficiently (7-of-13 from the field, 2-of-4 from deep) and he did so without a particularly reliable whistle (only five trips to the free throw line). The Sixers don’t need Harden to drop 30-point triple-doubles. It would be nice, but that’s just not the player he is today. Instead, he’s the kind of patient, unflappable halfcourt initiator Philadelphia has lacked ever since Jimmy Butler’s departure. Harden can set up the offense, orchestrate plays, and dish out pinpoint passes with the best of ’em. He lifts up teammates, even when he’s not being particularly explosive himself.
The Sixers will only face more difficult matchups if they get past Toronto. The Heat are no joke, and if you look even further down the pipeline, both Boston and Milwaukee have particularly frightening qualities. But Harden has been really strong in this series. Joel Embiid is going to have to carry the Sixers’ scoring burden late in games, but he’s the scoring champ and possibly the MVP. That’s his job. Also Tyrese Maxey has proven to be a more than adequate second fiddle in late-game situations. It is Harden’s job to captain the ship and get his crew in the right positions.
The Sixers will enter Game 4 with a 3-0 series lead. The Sixers just don’t have that 3-0 series lead without James Harden. Call it underperforming, call it whatever you want, but he has been downright essential all series.