The 76ers earned a narrow win against the Pacers in overtime (129-126). With Joel Embiid being out due to an injury, James Harden took the leadership of the team.
He made costly mistakes late in the fourth quarter by committing a couple of turnovers and allowing his opponent to score on him, but was able to recover in defense.
During the overtime Harden missed two free-throws, but again was able to make a stop on the defensive end to secure the win.
“I had to make for,” Harden said. “I mean, uncharacteristic – missed two free-throws. Had to get a stop and just try to make a play on the ball. They played extremely fast. I know like they’re the number one pace team in the league.
“But out there playing against them it’s no time off, like there’ no relaxed breaks or anything. They do a really good job of pushing the pace. We had the lead basically the entire game. They made some shots, we missed some shots overtime. We just won the game. Games like that you just win the game, you keep pushing forward.”
Harden finished the game with team-high 26 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists in 43 minutes of play. This year he is averaging 22.1 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists in 38 minutes per game.
