PHILADELPHIA (94WIP Sportsradio) — James Harden said his home debut in Philadelphia felt "like a movie" after recording 29 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in a 123-108 win over the Knicks.
"The fans, it feels like home," Harden said after the game. "Just the love, the support. Man, from looking around, hearing, 'We love you, James.' That right there makes me go out there and play harder."
After the game, Harden went over and greeted Philly rapper Meek Mill and Sixers co-owner Michael Rubin.
Other than putting up a near triple-double of his own, Harden also inspired youngster Tyrese Maxey, who exploded for a monster second half en route to 25 points, making him three for three on scoring 20-plus since Harden began his tenure as a Philadelphia 76er.
After the game, Maxey — who scored just four of his 25 in the first half — told reporters that, "James came up to me [after the first half] and asked me if I was going to play today."
Kentucky head coach John Calipari was also in attendance, watching his two former players in Maxey and Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley.
Related
While things have been nearly perfect so far with Harden in a Sixers uniform, things will get a bit tougher for the 38-23 76ers. Philadelphia will face the fifth-seeded Cavs at home on Friday, then travel to Miami to face the first-placed Heat on Saturday, before coming back home on Monday to face the second-placed Bulls.
And then, the highly anticipated March 10 battle with the Brooklyn Nets, a game Ben Simmons is not expected to play in.