James Harden might have given a spirited performance in game 1 to lead the Philadephia 76ers past the Boston Celtics. But the luster seems to have faded. The 76ers were handed a brutal loss in game 2 and all eyes are on the MVP duo. A few days ago, there were reports that Harden ‘smacked’ someone in Las Vegas. With rumors of an abscond, Doc Rivers, has come out to clarify them. It even included a Dennis Rodman reference.
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It looks as though all is right in Philadelphia. Earlier, head coach Doc Rivers was questioned about Harden’s trip and break ahead of the Eastern Semifinal Conference clash against the Boston Celtics.
Rivers cited that the team had 3 days off and they could do whatever they wanted. Ahead of an impending battle, it was quite a shocking statement. However, it would also reason that players need a break.
Doc Rivers cited that Dennis Rodman did the same thing and permitted James Harden to do the same!
We all know this story, ahead of an NBA Finals game, Dennis Rodman left the Chicago Bulls squad to party in Las Vegas. They still won the championship thanks to Michael Jordan. And Rodman himself was not a slouch either.
This case is not the same. James Harden didn’t do something that extreme but neither is his team led by a player of MJ’s caliber. Despite all of that Doc Rivers gave the 76ers their time off.
“James called me before he went, and I was like, ‘So what? Do it.’ Dennis Rodman went to Vegas. They asked me about it, and I said, ‘We had three days off.’ I told them to do whatever they want. He’s a grown man. I didn’t care.”, he told Heavy Sports.
It looked as though Harden didn’t heed all the protocols set by his team. He was seen getting involved in a scuffle with someone outside a strip club.
The Philadelphia 76ers need all the help they can get!
Now, that they are back in Philadelphia, the 76ers will need everything in their arsenal to win. They lost terribly the last time out. But with a chance to take home-court advantage, they will need to be at their best.
They face a more resilient Boston side but with Joel Embiid being crowned MVP recently, chances are he gets back into his scintillating best to win.
What do you think? Will the 76ers take a 2-1 lead tonight? Or will they crumble under pressure?
