James Harden, almost singlehandedly, defeated the Celtics 119-115 in Game 1 on Monday.
It was giving shades of vintage Harden as he recorded 45 points, one rebound and six assists and drilled the game-winner.
JAMES HARDEN ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
He has a playoff career-high 45 PTS pic.twitter.com/QHOJviHtEt
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 2, 2023
With Joel Embiid out and his team underdogs, Harden took Philly and carried them on his back.
NBA Twitter was very much in shock. Best reactions:
Wowww who had Philly winning game 1 👀
— Alex Caruso (@ACFresh21) May 2, 2023
James harden hooping his ass off
— Mark Phillips (@SupremeDreams_1) May 2, 2023
Beyond incredible win by the Sixers. All-time Philly sports victory. Maxey deserving the max. Bball Paul with ice in his sack FT down the line.
James. Edward. Harden.
All heart without the MVP. Now we've got ourselves a series. CUE IT! pic.twitter.com/xKE1DNhIj6
— Smitty (@SmittyBarstool) May 2, 2023
THEY TOLD ME JAMES HARDEN WAS WASHED
45 PTS TO LEAD THE SIXERS TO A WIN BY HIMSELF pic.twitter.com/n2JzPzzN5V
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) May 2, 2023
That shot, biggest playoff moment of Harden’s career right? Only other moment that is close is the game winner vs Warriors in 16.
Ridiculous performance by Harden.— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) May 2, 2023
JAMES HARDEN IS BAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKK, BABY. 45! TONIGHT HE WAS THE BOSTON STRANGLER.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 2, 2023
Harden can’t wait to call Lil Baby after this game
— BASED SAVAGE (@crackcobain__) May 2, 2023
HOLY HARDEN.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 2, 2023
James Harden plants 45 points in TD Garden. pic.twitter.com/fqlsF5NMGz
— nba paint (@nba_paint) May 2, 2023
Harden came to the Celtics crib, dropped 45 points and won without Embiid pic.twitter.com/fdUTiTl9pL
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) May 2, 2023
Oh my God Harden!
— Malcolm Miller (@MalcMili13) May 2, 2023
Harden carrying the Sixers in Game 1 pic.twitter.com/9f6v8Xd8t5
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) May 2, 2023