The NBA Playoffs are all about the stars showing up and carrying their teams to victory. In Sunday’s Game 4 matchup, featuring James Harden, Jayson Tatum, and several others, including reigning MVP winner Joel Embiid, it was clear who came to play and who wasn’t ready for the spotlight of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Since the final score of the 76ers’ 116-115 win doesn’t provide any indication, it was Tatum who performed the disappearing act in the scoring column on the road at the Wells Fargo Center. While he did chip in a whopping 18 rebounds, Tatum would finish with 24 points, shooting just 9-of-20 from the floor. Yet, his four blocks were a big factor down the stretch, helping the game reach overtime.
Meanwhile, Harden, who was coming off back-to-back duds, turned back the clock as he helped form a dynamic duo with Embiid. Harden scored a game-high 42 points on 16-of-23 shots, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range and a clutch floater to send the game to OT.
As if his late game-saving bucket wasn’t enough, Harden delivered a game-winning three-pointer to put the game on ice for good.
The Celtics did have one final chance to secure the win, but Marcus Smart couldn’t get the shot off in time. Harden became the first 76ers player to have multiple 40-point games since Allen Iverson accomplished the feat in 2003.
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But Harden wasn’t on the floor alone.
Embiid also came through with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and a steal while committing three fouls on the day. Ultimately, the Celtics couldn’t keep the two in check, and it led to the series being tied at 2-2, heading into Tuesday’s Game 5 matchup at the TD Garden back in Boston.
Not only did Harden win, he also made Michigan State shooting survivor John Hao’s day, who managed to befriend the Sixers star after the recent tragedy. Harden had previously promised Hao would be able to attend a game after being paralyzed from the shooting. Today, Harden and Hao made good on that promise.
Harden stuck around after the game, autographing his shoes for Hao to take home as well in an unforgettable day for the 76ers fan.