“He’s completely indecisive”: James Harden Was Berated By ESPN Announcers For Passing up Open Floater in Game 3 Loss

NBA commentators Mark Jones and Doris Burke criticized James Harden after a missed layup in game 3. The Philadelphia 76ers have now lost 2 straight games against the Boston Celtics and are trailing the series 1-2. Harden, who has been criticized for his overall performances, bore the brunt of the commentators’ wrath when he missed an easy layup in the third quarter.

Harden has now endured an overall shooting efficiency of just over 17% in his last two games. After inspiring his team to a win against the Celtics in game 1, he has produced 2 terrible nights that have cost the 76ers dearly.

Mark Jones and Doris Burke criticize James Harden after missed layup

With the game nicely poised at 72-65, the 76ers had an opportunity to bring the lead down to 5. James Harden drove into the paint and appeared to be caught in two minds.

He had the opportunity to pass to MVP Joel Embiid and had another 76er available near the paint. However, he was visibly indecisive and ended up caught between a shot and a pass, instead hooking the ball up tamely in the air.

Doris Burke immediately called the 10-time All-Star out, claiming that he was completely indecisive. Mark Jones on the other hand thought that the shot was a result of a lack of confidence. NBA Central shared the telecast clip on Twitter.

Doris Burke and Mark Jones ripping James Harden last night for passing up a floater pic.twitter.com/A6T7GYaJHJ

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 6, 2023

Jones in particular thought that the 33-year-old was playing with a lack of confidence. A free-scoring James Harden is capable of scoring from anywhere on the court. The former Nets and Rockets ace is regarded as one of the best scorers of all time and does not generally think about passing when he drives to the paint.

Philadelphia 76ers might be looking at an early playoff exit

The night proved to be very contrasting for the 76ers’ two best players on the court. While Harden produced another hapless display that saw him convert 3 of his 14 field goal attempts, Embiid played like the MVP he has been selected as.

Despite being unavailable due to injury in the first two matches, Embiid was the 76ers’ best player on the night and was a huge influence on both ends of the court. While Harden has also produced some big games for the 76ers already, his inconsistency and form through the last two games have come at a tolling time.

The Celtics have been the better team and have managed Harden well despite Marcus Smart also not being fully fit. In his absence, Jaylen Brown has taken up responsibility and has made things extremely difficult for James Harden in game 3.