James Harden doesn't know why 76ers fans booed him. Says 'hell, no' on meeting Daryl Morey

PHILADELPHIA − The deafening sound of booing was heard often, mainly because James Harden is the Los Angeles Clippers point guard, and thus was touching the ball on every possession.

And the 76ers fans made sure Harden knew how they felt Wednesday night. The sold-out crowd at the Wells Fargo Center got into a froth when Harden was introduced with the Clippers' starters. They booed every time he touched the ball, sustaining it as long as he dribbled looking for an open teammate.

The only time they cheered for Harden was when he missed a shot, or turned the ball over.

But that didn't happen often as Harden had 16 points and 14 assists as the Clippers rallied for a 108-107 win over the Sixers.

And all of the booing left Harden somewhat confused after the game.

"I expected it," Harden said about the booing. "I really don’t know what it’s about, but I expected it. So it is what it is. I don’t even know why they were booing. You can ask them."

Why Sixers fans don't like Harden

Harden, of course, became a pariah to Sixers fans last August when he demanded a trade and called Sixers president Daryl Morey "a liar."

This is what he said last August while in China: “Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he's a part of. Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he's a part of.”

Harden was asked after the game if he would ever try patching up his differences with Morey.

"No. Hell, no," Harden said.

Harden, 34, began this season with the Sixers, but didn't play in any games, until they traded him to the Clippers last Oct. 31. Harden is in his 15th season. He came into the game averaging 17.1 points, 8.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 34.7 minutes per game.

Harden spent 1½ seasons with the Sixers, coming over from Brooklyn in exchange for Ben Simmons. He averaged 21.0 points and 10.6 assists per game in Philly.

After the season, Harden declined a max contract of about $47 million, hoping to negotiate a new long-term deal. When that didn't materialize, Harden had his final year option picked up for $35.6 million, and demanded a trade.

"For me, personally, I feel like I did everything that I needed to do in the sense of the year prior, taking myself off the max (contract) to help the team get better, for this city. You know what I mean?" Harden said. "For myself, obviously, to win a championship. Things didn’t work out. I wanted to get paid. They weren’t talking. So it is what it is. Then you move on. Everybody’s happy. Life is good."

Harden has played for five teams in his NBA career, so he's used to homecomings.

"I just focus on what James has done for us," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said before the game. "He’s been really good. We wouldn’t be in the position we’re in right now, as far as being the No. 4 seed, without his play. And just so what he’s brought to our team and how he’s been for us."

Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: James Harden doesn't know why 76ers fans booed him in Clippers return