Media Reacts to James Harden Meltdown, Philadelphia 76ers Elimination
The Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs Thursday night thanks to a 99-90 loss to the Miami Heat. It was a complete meltdown as James Harden failed to show up and Doc Rivers essentially gave up and gave a wild postgame press conference. The media was swift to condemn Harden and the Sixers, ripping them for falling short of expectations.
Here's a collection of reactions from around the sports media landscape.
Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith on James Harden and Doc Rivers after the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated by the Miami Heat. ?? pic.twitter.com/yL3YVij1dp
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 13, 2022
Stephen A. Smith was smelling something and it doesn't smell right. He ripped Harden's performance and suggested it should be investigated. Harden went 22 minutes in the second half and only took two shots. Smith called the performance anemic, horrific and impotent. He also implied he thinks Doc Rivers might be done in Philadelphia.
Dick Vitale
Where was James Harden as he took 2 shots the entire 2nd half?If he doesn’t score he is a liability as Harden is not strong on D . Joel Embid didn’t shoot well but he & Maxey play with passion & give their all . Congrats to @MiamiHEAT as they were the better TEAM.
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) May 13, 2022
Even Dickie V. weighed in on the Sixers' collapse, calling Harden a liability when he's not scoring. He also seemed to question Harden's passion by pointing out how much Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have.
Pablo Torre
Lol the Sixers have gone through FIVE (5) general managers since Sam Hinkie was ousted after 2.5 seasons, 6 years ago, and people are still trying to blame the guy who drafted Joel Embiid
— Pablo Torre (@PabloTorre) May 13, 2022
The Sixers continue to not win championships no matter who is in charge. Elton Brand is the team's current general manager and Torre points out Sam Hinkie was pushed out six years ago. Nothing seems to change no matter who is in charge. It's now been 21 years since the Sixers even reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
Brian Windhorst
.@WindhorstESPN says to pump the brakes on Harden returning to Philadelphia next season with a max deal.
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 13, 2022
"Nobody in the NBA believes that the Sixers are going to give James Harden a max contract.” pic.twitter.com/vASDx6p0ek
Not so fast on that max extension. If Harden wants to return to Philly and keep the Sixers contenders, he's probably going to need to rework his contract.
Get Up
“James Harden with one leg on crutches can get off more than two shots. That’s how gifted as an offensive player he’s been in his career. … Something smells. That didn’t look right.”@StephenASmith is not buying Harden’s lack of shooting in an elimination game. pic.twitter.com/Qf0kGSVK2V
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 13, 2022
Stephen A. Smith was on Get Up reiterating his issues and belief that Harden tanked the game, almost on purpose. He said something smells about the fact that Harden only took two shots in the second half of an elimination game. Fellow panelist. Amar'e Stoudemire seemed to be agreeing with it.
First Take
James Harden got so many dead bodies that he need to start looking at himself instead of blaming everyone else!!! Carry the hell on… pic.twitter.com/em8kdMaaex
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 13, 2022
This was one of the most atrocious performances by a star in NBA playoff history. pic.twitter.com/IFBLNNHeba
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 13, 2022
Kendrick Perkins got his say on the situation on Friday and put the blame solely on Harden. Perkins pointed out that Harden is a great player but hasn't been able to make things work with numerous star teammates including Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Then Stephen A. Smith had his turn and once again ripped Harden and said it almost looked like he tanked the game on purpose.
The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Don't be shocked if James Harden is back in Philadelphia, according to @ryenarussillo...
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) May 13, 2022
"You may not like your QB, but the alternative of not knowing your replacement is just as scary. That's why almost all of these guys end up getting the max." pic.twitter.com/lImfyuyhkv
Joy Taylor was guest hosting The Herd for Colin Cowherd on Friday and she had Ryen Russillo on to discuss Harden and the Sixers. Russillo said he wouldn't be shocked if Harden was back in Philly.