James. Freaking. Harden.
The Beard poured in 45 points as the Sixers stole Game 1 against the Celtics in Boston Monday, 119-115.
The Sixers were without their leader Joel Embiid, who suffered a sprained LCL in the right knee on April 20. In his absence, Philadelphia was led by Harden with a massive 45 points. Tyrese Maxey followed with 26 points and Tobias Harris had 18. De’Anthony Melton led the bench with 17 points, shooting 5-of-6 from three-point range.
Jayson Tatum (39 points) and Jaylen Brown (23 points) led the Celtics’ effort.
Game 2 is set for Wednesday night in Boston at 8 p.