James Harden reacts to tying single-game Sixers assist record vs. Clippers
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers rallied from a 20-point deficit on Friday night and knocked off the Los Angeles Clippers, 119-114, to complete a 7-0 homestand.
The star of the night was James Harden, who produced 20 points, a career-high 21 assists and 11 rebounds. Harden’s 21 assists tied a Sixers franchise record for a single game, joining Mo Cheeks and Wilt Chamberlain.
“I wish somebody would’ve told me that! I would’ve tried to get 22!” Harden laughed after the win. “I’m pissed at one of my teammates for missing a layup or an easy shot. Nah, I’m playing.”
James Harden is the 2nd player in 76ers history with a 20-assist triple-double, joining Wilt Chamberlain in 1968 against the Pistons.
Harden's 21 assists tie the franchise record with Wilt from that game and Maurice Cheeks in 1982. pic.twitter.com/sIRYM8I8XY
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 24, 2022
“That’s rare company,” Harden reflected. “Mo Cheeks was one of my coaches in OKC and then Wilt, I feel like he has every record. Just always and be in the conversation of some of the best basketball players to touch a basketball is a blessing. Hopefully, I can keep going and get more records.”
Of course, playing with Joel Embiid, who had 44 points in the win, always helps. Los Angeles had no clue how to stop the Harden-Embiid two-man game all night.
“I just do what I do,” Harden added. “Honestly, I feel really good and just trying to get to that paint and they do a really good job of using their length. They’re a really long team, they switch, they do a really good job of switching so I tried to press the paint and really try and find matchups that work in our advantage that really make the game easier for all of us and guys knock down shots, Joel did a really good job of getting to his spots. It was a total team effort.”
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Player grades: Joel Embiid, Sixers rally from 20 down to beat Clippers
