HOUSTON – James Harden’s incredible first quarter, the Rocket’s 42.5 percent three-point shooting and the 76ers’ poor transition defense. All were factors in the 76ers’ latest loss.
Harden, who made all eight of his first-quarter shots en route to a 23-point quarter, led the charge in the Rockets’ 115-88 win on Monday night at Toyota Center. The Sixers, who trailed by as many as 29 points, lost for the ninth time in their first 10 games of the season.
The Sixers' largest lead was 12-7 following a three-pointer from Dario Saric with 8:38 remaining in the first quarter. The 76ers' last lead was 12-11.
Even after falling behind 38-26 after the first quarter, Sixers coach Brett Brown still felt the team could come back against the Rockets (6-4), who were playing only their third home game of the season.
“It surprised me that we did not come back,” Brown said. “We came back 18 [points] on the world champions (Cleveland Cavaliers) and we felt like it was still in us to turn this into a game.
“And the game got away from us. We saw a great player dominate a first period and we dug ourselves a hole from the beginning.”
NBA
Joel Embiid had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Ersan Ilyasova added 13 points for the 76ers (1-9). But it was Harden who was clicking. The 6-5 Harden collected 33 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. After the first quarter, Harden was 8 of 8 from the field and 5 of 5 from the foul line.
“After the first quarter, I looked up and I was surprised,” said Embiid, on looking at the giant scoreboard and seeing Harden’s totals. “He made shots, and they made shots.”
Added 76ers guard Gerald Henderson: “Clearly he has started the season very well and he’s hot and he just continued it tonight.”
In defense of the 76ers, no team has stopped Harden this season. Harden came into Monday’s game averaging 30 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds a game.
The Sixers tried multiple matchups on Harden. Brown went with Henderson, Robert Covington got in foul trouble. Brown came back with T.J. McConnell, and even went with Nick Stauskas.
“Individually, he’s (Harden) brilliant and he’s a veteran,” Brown said. “There is no margin for error when you try to guard James Harden.”
The Sixers, who were outrebounded 56-28, couldn’t mount a comeback against the Rockets, who made 44 of 91 shots from the field and were 17 of 40 on three-pointers. The 76ers shot 24 of 90 from the field and a dismal 5 of 22 on three-pointers.
“They score, they put pressure on you a lot with their three-point shooting,” Brown said. “We had a down night. There’s no doubt about it.
“I give them credit, they made shots. They are a difficult team to play here in Houston and they have tremendous offensive firepower.”
The Sixers’ defense also contributed to the loss.
“We had a bad transition defensive game,” Embiid said. “And I thought our defense wasn’t good this game. We've just got to get better out there.”
The 76ers, who trailed 65-52 at halftime, also couldn’t contain center Clint Capela, who had 13 rebounds, and Trevor Ariza, who had 17 points.
“Tonight, we didn’t really fight,” Henderson said. “As a team on defense, you need to be locked in on their individual players, their tendencies and all of that stuff, but physically and effort wise, we were dominated.”
Sixers center Jahlil Okafor struggled, making only 2 of 11 shots from the field. In 21 minutes, Okafor managed only four points and three rebounds.
“It was just a tough night for Jahlil,” Brown said. “He’ll be back. His health is getting more on track. It was one of those tough matchup nights for Jahlil.”