Performances like Thursday night’s are what the Sixers envisioned when they made a blockbuster deal for James Harden.
The Sixers came up short against the defending champs, but Harden was stellar with 32 points and nine assists on 71.8 percent true shooting. More important than the numbers, there were flashes of vintage James Harden — step-back threes, lulling defenders to sleep before quick bursts to the basket, drawing fouls, brilliant passes.
But for as great as the former MVP was, the game did reveal moments that show where Harden is still adapting to life with his new team.