James Harden Scores 31 Points to Help 76ers Tie the Series Against the Heat

James Harden in 2017
James Harden at a promotional event of Adidas during his China tour in 2017. Photo by Shutterstock (8991895i)

The Philadelphia 76ers are finally reaping the benefits of the February trade for superstar James Harden. After the start of the playoffs, Harden finally got going on Sunday night to score 31 points and help Philly tie the second-round series against the Miami Heat.

In the past three games of the Eastern Conference semis, Harden failed to score more than 20 points despite being the focal point of the 76ers’ offense due to fellow All-Star Joel Embiid’s injury. However, “The Beard” found his groove when Philadelphia needed him the most in critical Game 4.

Harden was particularly clutch in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 points and going 4-of-4 on three-pointers to put away Miami’s comeback attempts. The 32-year-old player also had seven rebounds and nine assists on the night.

“Just took what the defense gave me,” said Harden about his performance. “Same shots just made some, nothing really changed man I just made some shots.”

Harden had help in Embiid, who was playing in his second game after missing the start of the Heat series due to an orbital fracture and mild concussion. The 28-year-old player contributed with 24 points and 11 boards, while Tyrese Maxey added 18 points.

The Heat were led by All-Star Jimmy Butler, who had 40 points and six assists, and Bam Adebayo, who had 21 points and seven rebounds. Only two other Miami players had double digits in scoring.

The series now returns to Miami, where the Heat and the 76ers are scheduled to play Game 5 on Tuesday.

Gunner's favorite movies are Pulp Fiction, Iron Man (just the first one), and every James Bond film ever made. He's learning TV and cinema and hoping to always enjoy movies as he does now.