Storylines to watch for James Harden’s home debut
Storylines to watch with Harden set for Philly welcome in his home debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
On the 60th anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game, another Sixer on the NBA’s top 75 team will make his home debut.
Here are the essentials ahead of James Harden and the Sixers’ matchup Wednesday night with the Knicks:
-
When: 7:30 p.m. ET with Sixers Pregame Live at 6:45 p.m.
-
Where: Wells Fargo Center
-
Broadcast: NBC Sports Philadelphia
-
Live stream: NBCSportsPhiladelphia.com and the MyTeams app
And here are storylines to watch:
A Philly welcome
At the two home games following the team’s Feb. 10 trade for Harden, Sixers fans cheered heartily for a brief highlight video on the Jumbotron of the 32-year-old.
The finale of the Sixers’ mini-series against New York will be the real thing, and the excitement is mutual.
“I’m looking forward to Wednesday, man,” Harden told reporters after a 29-point, 16-assist triple-double at Madison Square Garden. “Tonight felt like we were in Philly. That crowd … it’s going to be turnt in there, and I’m ready for it.”
Allen Iverson is well aware that it’ll be a unique experience for Harden.
While his main goal will of course be a win, Harden could perhaps sweeten the night if he gets hot from long range. He’s six made three-pointers away from passing Reggie Miller and moving into third on the NBA’s all-time list.
More doors open for Thybulle
Matisse Thybulle is 1 for his last 15 from three-point territory and 28.2 percent on the season.
Those numbers haven’t seemed especially important since Harden’s debut. Thybulle chipped in 19 points, 13 rebounds, six steals and four assists across wins over the Timberwolves and Knicks. It’s already apparent that his improvement as a cutter will come in handy with Harden, who’s been eager to push the ball ahead, exploit defensive lapses, and make his teammates better.
“Cutting is something I think I got a lot better at this…
Source : yahoo
