The Sixers are getting the version of James Harden they wanted when they traded for him.
Harden hit big shot after big shot on Sunday night, carrying the Sixers when they needed him most in a 116-108 win, tying the series 2-2.
Here are some takeaways from the win:
James Harden: After a slow start to the playoffs James Harden has really stepped it up the last few games and the Sixers are much better as a result.
Harden played a big part in the Sixers run midway through the second quarter to take control of the game. He hit a three to pull the Sixers within 42-41, hit two free throws to put them up 49-46, found Tobias Harris for an easy dunk under the basket to extend the lead even further, and then drove to the lane and finished the layup to put the Sixers up 53-46. He then hit a three on the next possession to put the Sixers up 56-47.
Harden totaled 13 points and four assists in the quarter, playing the leading role in the Sixers turning a close game in a 64-56 lead at halftime.
The Sixers didn't Harden to carry them in the second half, but he did have some big moments. He hit a huge three with just over nine minutes to play to extend the Sixers lead to 97-85, another three to push the lead to 104-94 with five minutes to play, a layup after the Heat cut it to five to put the Sixers back up seven, 106-99, and then another three to extend the lead to 109-101.
Harden finished the game with 31 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and shot 6/10 from three.
The Sixers have to love what they have been seeing from Harden over the last few games.
Joel Embiid: If the Sixers get this version of Joel Embiid the Sixers won't lose this series — and it might not even go seven games.
Sixers went to him early down low, and Embiid took advantage, scoring six quick points to start the game. Embiid looked for better in his second game with the mask, and has better touch on his shots, including a three toward the end of the first quarter as the shot clock was about to expire. Embiid finished the first quarter with 15 points, close to the 18 he scored the entire game in Game 3.
Embiid kept it going in the second half, finishing with 24 points. The Heat don't have anyone that can stop him, or even come close really. That is especially true of Bam Adebayo, who looks like he wants nothing to do with the MVP candidate. Their best chance might be PJ Tucker, who is way too small to deal with Embiid.
The bottom line is that if Embiid entered this series healthy it might already be over. The last two games have made it clear — with Embiid on the court the Sixers are way better than the Heat.
Now, it is up to Embiid and the Sixers to make sure they don't let up against the Heat in Miami.
Tobias Harris: Give Tobias Harris credit — he has taken advantage of good matchups when he has had the chance. In the first quarter he advantage when Kyle Lowry was guarding him. In the second quarter he attacked when Tyler Herro was on him. Harris isn't going to be the top priority on offense, but when he has players on him that can't guard him, the Sixers need to give him the ball. Harris hit a big three at the start of the fourth quarter to put the Sixers up 92-85. He did go down briefly during the fourth quarter after being hit during a rebound, but remained in the game.
Danny Green: After going 7-9 from three in Game 3, Green followed it up by hitting his first three attempts on Sunday night, including making a three while he was fouled. Green hitting corner threes takes this offense to the next level, something that has been clear the last two games.
Paul Reed: Reed came into the game at the start of the fourth quarter with the Sixers holding a 89-85 lead, huge minutes for the backup center, considering how many leads the team has blown the last few seasons with Embiid out of the game. Reed wasn't the main reason the Sixers held onto the lead, but he wasn't the main reason they blew it either, as they extended the lead to 101-89 with Embiid on the bench.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com
