Three very quick thoughts on James Harden’s debut with the Sixers, a 133–102 win over the Timberwolves…
1. Offensively, Philly thrived against Minnesota. Harden impacted the game in multiple ways, and he at least put some play on tape that would suggest he’s willing to adjust his offensive style to Embiid’s. First and foremost, it was refreshing to see Harden whip around the perimeter and come off handoffs from his big man. That was a pet play for the Sixers when Seth Curry was in the backcourt, and perhaps their most effective action outside of throwing the ball to Embiid on the block. A committed Harden running that play should give the Sixers open look after open look. The Beard has to be respected both as a shooter and driver, while Embiid can’t be left alone anywhere inside the arc. On multiple occasions, handoffs resulted in either Harden putting a defender on his hip and breaking down the defense, or coming open for three.
The extra attention on Harden should also make life easier for Tyrese Maxey. The budding star shot 12-of-16 on Friday, and actually outscored his backcourt partner. As long as Harden keeps moving off the ball and running two-man actions with Embiid, the defense will be tilted in that direction. That allows Maxey some cleaner driving lanes than he had before.
