“James Harden: 0 points, Ben Simmons: 5 points”: Shaquille O’Neal flames Sixers star After Humiliating Loss to Jayson Tatum and Co.

Nithin Joseph | 17/05/2023
“James Harden: 0 points, Ben Simmons: 5 points”: Shaquille O’Neal flames Sixers star After Humiliating Loss to Jayson Tatum and Co.

The Philadephia 76ers suffered a crushing defeat to the Boston Celtics. A 112-88 loss saw them crash out of the NBA Playoffs yet again, and the fans are livid. And, James Harden is receiving much of the flak. Even NBA legends are getting in on it, with Shaquille O’Neal bringing up some interesting points, which include former Sixer, Ben Simmons.

Jayson Tatum proved too much for Philly. His historic 51-point performance, coupled with a lack of offensive response from the 76ers saw them advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

While Tatum was the star, Shaq wanted to put the spotlight on The Beard. Harden was particularly bad in Game 7, only managing to score a measly nine points. But, it is his fourth-quarter performance that has the four-time NBA Champion on his Instagram, suggesting that Ben Simmons might be the better player.

Shaquille O’Neal shares interesting stats that suggest Ben Simmons is better than James Harden

Now, Shaq claiming Ben Simmons is better than James Harden is a bit ambiguous. Especially considering his hypothesis is based purely on both their fourth-quarter performances. But, the stats do not lie.

Sharing the statistics via his Instagram stories, Big Diesel flamed The Beard for his clutch-time performances. When comparing him to Ben Simmons, he falls behind in every category. The last time Ben Simmons was in the Playoffs was during the 2021 season.

Back then, the Sixers were knocked out in their Conference Semi-Finals match-up against the Hawks. However, Simmons’ performance was far better than that of Harden’s. He not only had more points in the fourth quarter of Game 7 but he also outdid Harden in points in the fourth quarter of Game 5, points in the fourth quarter of Game 6, and points in the fourth quarter over their last three Playoff games for Philly.

In all of the aforementioned situations, Harden had zero points. Safe to say, his time in the City of Brotherly Love has been a disaster. But, he might be on his way out. What, with his interest in returning to the Rockets and the fact that Doc Rivers was recently dismissed.

Harden might be on his way out of Philly following Doc Rivers’ dismissal and his interest in the Rockets

James Harden’s time in Philly seems to be done. Not only will he be entering free agency, but he already has a preferred destination. The Beard is intrigued by the idea of returning to Houston and playing for the Rockets. And, with Doc Rivers being dismissed, that might just secure his departure as well.

One thing is for sure, all eyes will be on Harden. While he isn’t a clutch fourth-quarter performer he is still a great player. It will be interesting to see what he chooses to do.

Post Edited By: Utathya Ghosh
Ben Simmons James Harden Shaquille O'Neal

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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