James Harden struggled by way of his return from damage Monday evening because the Philadelphia 76ers misplaced to the Houston Rockets 132-123 in double additional time.
Harden had 21 factors however shot 4-for-19 from the sector in his first recreation since Nov. 2. He stated he felt good however was disillusioned in his efficiency.
“I did not play effectively, however I’ve received to be higher and I’ll,” he stated.
Coach Doc Rivers stated Harden, who spent simply greater than eight seasons with the Rockets earlier than being traded to Brooklyn in January 2021, could be on a minutes restriction in his return. Harden did not appear to be restricted a lot, and performed 39 minutes.
However he stated having his minutes monitored on this recreation made it robust to get in a rhythm.
“I used to be everywhere,” Harden stated. “I am not used to it. However I am not making any excuses. I’ve to do higher.”
He added that Rivers did not need him to play as a lot as he did in additional time.
“I needed to combat to remain on the courtroom simply because there was a sure plan in place earlier than the sport began,” Harden stated. “However when you go on the market as a competitor you wish to attempt to win.”
Harden missed 14 video games with a tendon pressure in his proper foot. He missed all eight makes an attempt contained in the 3-point arc however nonetheless received to the road like he all the time does and made 9 of 10 free throws. He additionally contributed 4 rebounds, 7 assists and a pair of steals with 7 turnovers.
Houston opened the second additional time with consecutive 3-pointers by Eric Gordon and Kevin Porter Jr. P.J. Tucker then scored his first factors of the sport on an extended 2 that reduce the result in 123-119.
Porter made two free throws earlier than Harden received Philadelphia inside 125-122 with a 3-pointer with about 90 seconds left. However rookie Jabari Smith Jr. added a 3 for Houston to increase the result in six a couple of seconds later, and Houston held on for the win.
Joel Embiid had 39 factors earlier than fouling out late within the first additional time, and Tobias Harris added 27 because the Sixers dropped their third straight.
Harden gained the MVP award with the Rockets in 2018 and was a three-time scoring champion in his time in Houston. He obtained a heat welcome from the gang when he was introduced earlier than the sport.
The Related Press contributed to this report.