Sixers star James Harden discusses his health after road win over Lakers
Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden has been dealing with a variety of ailments throughout the 2021-22 season. The Beard was dealing with a hamstring injury toward the end of his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, and it has trickled into his time with the Sixers.
Harden looked as though he was dealing with some discomfort during Wednesday’s 126-121 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The star guard ended up scoring 24 points with seven assists and seven rebounds, but he shot 7-for-18 and took a hit in the second half.
It looked like Harden was struck somewhere around his hamstring while driving, and he cleared it up after the win.
“It’s a little sore,” he admitted. “I got just kneed in the quad. I felt like I was beat up a little bit tonight, but that’s a part of it. Hopefully, it wasn’t nothing too serious. It was painful when it happened. It’s just a little sore now. Hopefully, tomorrow it’s just recovery and I’ll be ready to go for Friday.”
To Harden’s credit, he was much better in the second half on Wednesday when he shot 5-for-8 compared to a 2-for-10 first half. Despite feeling a little sore after the hit, he battled.
“My pop, my burst,” he explained. “My burst was a little bit faster getting to the basket. My shot just, whatever I did, I made sure I put emphasis on getting to my spots. Whether it’s getting to the basket or shooting a shot.”
Harden was rested in Monday’s win over the Miami Heat and one would think that he would be fine against the Lakers with the days off. However, it doesn’t always work that way.
“I think having two days off just trying to — whatever,” he cut himself off. “I don’t want to do too much of it, but get some work in tomorrow and be ready to go Friday.”
The Sixers will stay in Los Angeles to take on the Clippers on Friday.
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