Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers went into Game 6 full of confidence. They had just beaten the Celtics in Boston and looked set to steal the series. However, the 2023 MVP, his teammates couldn’t secure a win, losing 86-95. It was embarrassing. And, Skip Bayless believes “choke artist” James Harden is to blame.
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Last night’s game against the Boston Celtics should have sealed Philly’s position in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. Everything was going right for them. They had a 3-2 lead and had the homecourt advantage. In addition, Jayson Tatum had an off-game.
The Celtics star was terrible, shooting five of 21 from the field and only racking up 19 points. Nevertheless, the 76ers blew it, and that is partly due to the equally terrible night The Beard had.
Skip Bayless claims the 76ers lost thanks in part to James Harden, the “choke artist”
James Harden is understandably an integral part of the Philadelphia 76ers. The 2018 MVP is widely considered to be one of the best guards in the league. However, in spite of his superstar talent, he isn’t exactly a great “playoff performer”.
Despite having a record of 85 wins to 74 losses in the post-season, it’s Harden’s performances in the clutch games that are concerning. He has more Game 6 losses than wins. And, after last night, his record rose from 10 losses to 11!
In fact, despite a poor night from Jayson Tatum, Harden evened things out. The Beard managed only 25% from the field and was zero of six from the three-point arc. It was a performance that had many questioning his capabilities. One of the many is Skip Bayless who went in on the Sixers on the latest edition of UNDISPUTED. He particularly critiques Harden, whom he has now labeled a “choke artist”.
“Now to James Harden. I picked the Sixers to win this series in six. But, I don’t trust James Harden. And, last night I concluded about James Harden, because I kept asking you the questions along the trail, “Is he just an Evil genius or is he just a flat out choke artist in the biggest games? Shannon, he’s a flat out choke artist!”
I don’t trust James Harden. Last night I realized he is a choke artist in the BIGGEST games. He was horrendous and got exposed. More @undisputed, now on FS1. https://t.co/42mybBWpv0
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 12, 2023
It is a bit harsh, but not too far-fetched. Now, things move on to Game 7, but things are looking dicey for Harden. It could be his last game in a 76ers jersey.
Harden may be on his way out of Philly as free agency looms over the horizon
Last night’s game aside, James Harden’s time with the Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid has been above-average at best. While he has had some great games in a Sixers jersey, it may be high time for both Philly and Harden to consider their futures. In fact, if NBA Insider, Adrian Wojnarowski is to be believed, a return to Houston is on the cards for The Beard.
