PHILADELPHIA — James Harden feels more at home in Philly this postseason go-around than he did a year when he was still finding his footing after a trade. It helps that The Beard knows his role alongside Joel Embiid, has his health — and his signature step-back is back on point from beyond the arc.
"He's confident in how we play now," coach Doc Rivers said. "Last year, even when he was playing, it was, am I doing the right thing here?"
Harden had all the right moves against the Nets.
Harden hit seven 3-pointers and had 23 points and 13 assists, NBA MVP finalist Embiid scored 26 points and the Philadelphia 76ers pushed back Mikal Bridges and the Brooklyn Nets in a 121-101 Game 1 victory on Saturday.