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Tim BontempsESPN
PHILADELPHIA James Harden He said that he would be a completely different player this year if he had a full offseason to improve his game.
The 76ers have had a great start to the season with a second consecutive stellar performance on Thursday night. They scored 31 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists to open the season. 90-88 loss To the Milwaukee Bucks Philadelphia fell to 0-2. Harden stated that he felt “really good” after being back in the gym as a “workaholic”.
Harden stated, “I am a workaholic so it was frustrating not being able put in the work like I normally do.” “This summer, this was my chance to have that experience, and now, even up to this point I feel really good. You just have to keep working and live with the results. This is what I live by.
“Many people don’t realize the hard work I put in. All of the other things, such as scoring well, don’t happen without hard work. As much as I enjoy talking about the other stuff that doesn’t really matter, it’s not my job. I’m a workaholic who loves to go to the gym and play basketball. So that’s what I’ll do.
“But for me it’s never about the individual. Individual [play] It’s great and I will do everything to improve this team. But, all of us must be playing at a high standard and that’s part of my job.”
Harden replied, “I’m able to move now,” when he was asked about his body.
Harden’s performance was not enough to stop the 76ers falling to 0-2 for the season. His last-second jumper, which could be the decisive factor in the game’s outcome, was a victory over one the league’s top defensive guards. Jrue HolidayHarden later stated that it was a good and acceptable look but not one.
He stated, “Could take my time a little more.” “But it’s all mine.”
Thanks to the efforts of Harden’s smallball lineup, the 76ers were in a position that they could win the game. De’Anthony Melton, Danuel House, Tobias Harris P.J. Tucker Philadelphia was able to pull back the curtain on a 13-point Bucks lead in the fourth quarter.
The Bucks survived thanks to Grayson Allen Kicking out to Wes Matthews, after Harris left him to assist on Allen’s drive. There were 24.7 seconds remaining for the shot that would become the game-winning one.
Harris admitted that Harris made a mental mistake. “I thought Grayson Allen had made a good cut in the lane. But with that score and time, no threes at this time in time, so that’s on you.”
Doc Rivers was able to return to superstar center, eventually. Joel EmbiidWith just over five minutes left, Embiid returned to the game. It was a tough night for Embiid. He scored 15 points, had 12 rebounds, three assists, and a blocked shot. However, he was 6-for-21 on the field — including going 0-for-7 at the half-time — and committed four turnovers.
Embiid declined to speak with reporters thereafter.
“I don’t even know if the Bucks did any thing.” [against him]Doc Rivers, 76ers coach, said that he agreed. He didn’t have a great match. He’s human. He didn’t have any of his more memorable games. He did many other things to help us.
Harden on the other side, however, played a strong game to start the season. He scored 35 points, had eight rebounds and seven assists in Tuesday night’s loss in Boston to Philadelphia in the season opener. Wilt Chamberlain Allen Iverson – to score at least 30 points in his first two games to begin a season, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
But, Thursday’s success was unexpected: by – after becoming a celebrity with the Houston Rockets You can make layups and 3-pointers as well as free throws.
Harden’s seven made midrange jumpers in Thursday’s loss were the most he’s ever made in his career, per ESPN Stats & Information. He also made it a third of 21 mid-range jumpers he made last season. This was after only one game in which he had more than one.
Harden stated that he had been improving his game all summer and that he just accepted what was offered to him by the defense. “I missed a few threes, but it’s impossible to control. If you work hard, the results will come. They gave me midrange shots tonight and I was happy with the results.”
The Bucks could also win their season opener by winning on the road Khris Middleton, Pat Connaughton Joe Ingles All are sidelined due to injuries – a remarkable feat Giannis Antetokounmpo It was vital for his team to move forward.
Antetokounmpo admitted that he wanted to be more aggressive after he finished with 21 points, 13 boards, eight assists, and three blocked shots during Thursday’s win. It doesn’t really matter at the end. To win today’s game, I didn’t need to be aggressive for 48 minutes. I went into this season trusting my teammates and sharing the ball with them. I am willing to sacrifice everything to get people involved and win games.