The NBA was filled with many surprises on Monday night, but perhaps the biggest came from James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Harden erupted for 45 points in a crucial Game 1 road victory over the Boston Celtics.
He was the most important player for his team, which was made even more important due to the Sixers playing without an injured Joel Embiid.
On Tuesday morning, Shannon Sharpe had nothing but praise for Harden’s blockbuster performance.
“James Harden turned back the hands of time and turned into Houston Harden,” Sharpe said.
He went on to tell his co-host, “I did not see this coming, Skip. Because I saw no indication all year long that James Harden was capable of this.”
“James Harden turned back the hands of time and turned into Houston Harden…The Celtics thought the Sixers were going to roll over.”
— @ShannonSharpe pic.twitter.com/m0PiivP0cC
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 2, 2023
Many people didn’t see this coming from Harden.
In fact, there are numerous analysts and fans who feel that the Celtics may have underestimated the Sixers because they didn’t have Embiid.
But the absence of Embiid allowed Harden to take control of his team and dominate the game.
This apparently caught the Celtics off guard.
“The Celtics thought without Joel Embiid, this team was just going to roll over,” Sharpe claimed.
Harden is no stranger to the playoffs.
In fact, this is his 14th time in the postseason.
However, he has been criticized for his pattern of falling off when the playoffs begin while apparently playing with less energy and drive when it matters most.
That doesn’t seem to be the case this time.
Last summer, Harden made promises to Philadelphia’s loyal fanbase.
He said that he was going to work as hard as he could in hopes of getting the 76ers to the NBA Finals.
Harden’s showing on Monday makes it clear that he intends to honor that vow.
