James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers are facing a really tough battle in Boston in just a few days’ time. Tonight, the team’s inability to close out the series might have raised some question marks internally. But Stephen A Smith is speculating that the result could be far worse than people pointing fingers. He claims that if the 76ers lose the series after being up 3-2, James Harden might even be on his way out!
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Something that you don’t want to hear or think about is the fact that your team’s best players might not have the most obvious chemistry. Worse is when a playoff run falls apart and it leads to cracks in relationships. The fault lines might already be there but for James Harden to up and leave would be startling.
The 76ers have not played badly by any means. They have stood mighty against the Boston Celtics, the team considered to be the best remaining team in the playoffs. But to squander a 3-2 lead raises serious doubts.
They had a golden chance to close it at home. Now that is lost. Does this mean things are over between Philadelphia and James Harden?
Stephen A Smith makes bold claim around James Harden’s exit if Philadelphia loses game 7
Folks, we have our first game 7 of the conference semifinals. A true test of a team’s basketball mettle. Philadelphia has let go of a precious chance to seal the win at home. They will face an intimidating Boston crowd and things are tipped against them.
If they rue the chance to win, they will see a seismic shift in things. According to Stephen A Smith, the dominos have started falling and even this game 6 loss could start a spiral.
Speaking on First Take, Smith said,
“It could cost Doc Rivers his job. It could cost Daryl Morey, potentially, his job. James Harden might depart from Philadelphia. That’s what’s at stake here.”,
.@stephenasmith says the 76ers’ loss in Game 6 could cost them a few jobs 😳
“It could cost Doc Rivers his job. It could cost Daryl Morey, potentially, his job. James Harden might depart from Philadelphia. That’s what’s at stake here.” pic.twitter.com/tUst9glvRg
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 12, 2023
The famed broadcaster talked in a rather ominous tone and spoke about how various jobs are at stake. He also detailed the fallout that seemed to happen on the floor last night.
Smith is dejected that Joel Embiid didn’t get much of the ball last night
According to Stephen A, the main point of focus was the fact that the 76ers didn’t give the ball to Joel Embiid. Particularly during the last 4 minutes of play.
A decision that could have perhaps altered the outcome of the game. We are with Stephen A on this one. As for the James Harden rumors, we might have to wait on that.
The jury is still out, the 76ers will come in with full force in game 7 and try everything to win. James Harden might just put up an all-time performance. And until the ball drops, we will reserve our judgment.
