Boston made a massive game-deciding mistake in the final seconds of Game 4 against Philadelphia and James Harden made sure everyone knew why.
Along with his 42 points, eight rebounds and nine assists, Harden drilled the game-winner in OT after Joel Embiid passed to him in the corner.
Harden was completely unguarded and had all the time in the world to take the shot because Jaylen Brown came in to double team Embiid.
The Philly guard made sure to explain postgame that Brown’s brain snap definitely helped his side come away with a crucial series-tying victory.
“It was supposed to be a dribble and off with for me but Jaylen Brown denied me so I didn’t want fight it,” Harden said. “The clock running down. So, I just gave Joel space to do what he did. He got so far in the paint that I felt like Jaylen Brown wanted to go help so, Joel made an unbelivable pass, and you know, catch-and-shoot.”
Celtics shooting guard Brown was obviously not stoked postgame when he was asked about the decision to double team Embiid.
“Just a bad read,” Brown said. “That’s it. It’s a gamble at the wrong time. Big shot by James Harden but that’s my fault. I take full accountability.”
It was a wild gamble by Brown to leave Harden unattended to, especially because Harden was the one who forced OT in the first place when he shot a clutch floater with 16 seconds left in regular time.
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