“James ‘the Ball Hog’ Harden has 28 assists in 2 games for Sixers!!”: The 2018 MVP doesn’t care about his criticism for his iso-ball style of play anymore

Akash Murty | 28/02/2022
"I was not the same James Harden": The Beard spills the beans on his $15M pay cut 

The passing skills of James Harden are a secret to none, so is it fair to still call him a ball hog? The Sixers star doesn’t care anymore.

James Harden did not disappoint anyone since making his much-awaited Sixers debut on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In his first game in the Philly uniform, James almost scored a triple-double.

The 10-time All-Star had 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 102-133 runaway victory against Karl-Anthony Towns and Co. He carried his form Sunday afternoon as they took on the struggling Knicks in Madison Square Garden.

Also read: “It’s nice to finally have James Harden on our side”: Tyrese Maxey reveals what a horror it is to guard The Beard when he is playing for the opponents

And Harden finally did what he would have dreamt of doing when he went to Brooklyn – rock the MSG. The 2018 MVP got his 10th triple-double of the season and first with the Sixers.

But what’s more enthralling than his tremendous start with his new team is that the Beard has 28 dimes in just two games.

James Harden is not a ball hog anymore

There is no denying the fact that James Harden is marvelous at basketball. He is an expert at leaving the opposition defense bamboozled. And becoming one of the top assist providers this season, 2nd to be accurate, he has taken that up a notch.

And for a player who is heavily criticized for being too ball-dominant, this is a big answer to maybe close that debate for good. At least that’s what Harden himself and Sixers beat writer, Keith Pompey thinks.

While it will take a season or two for Harden to finally get rid of the term “ball hog”, this is the best situation he has ever been in to do it as soon as possible.

Also read: “Joel Embiid, you looking at all the free throws you shot?”: Tyrese Maxey tries pulling his teammate’s legs after Knicks game as Sixers MVP gets 27 FT attempts

The former Rockets star has never been around a big, as skilled and dominant as Joel Embiid. And knowing his passing capabilities and prowess in throwing lobs, it wouldn’t take him much longer to get rid of that infamous nickname.

Post Edited By: Akash Murty
James Harden Philadelphia 76ers

About the author

Akash Murty

An Electrical and Electronics Engineer by degree, Akash Murty is an NBA Editor at The SportsRush. Previously a Software Engineer, Murty couldn’t keep himself away from sports, and his knack for writing and putting his opinion forward brought him to the TSR. A big Soccer enthusiast, his interest in basketball developed late, as he got access to a hoop for the first time at 17. Following this, he started watching basketball at the 2012 Olympics, which transitioned to NBA, and he became a fan of the game as he watched LeBron James dominate the league. Him being an avid learner of the game and ritually following the league for around a decade, he now writes articles ranging from throwbacks, and live game reports, to gossip. LA Lakers are his favourite basketball team, while Chelsea has his heart in football. He also likes travelling, reading fiction, and sometimes cooking.

Don’t miss these