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New York Daily News rips 76ers after James Harden called out MSG and Knicks

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 27: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 27: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks will play the Sixers for the second time in three days on Wednesday night but this time the game will be in Philadelphia. The Knicks not only got to face James Harden in his second contest as a Sixer but they’ll also be there as he makes his debut at Wells Fargo Center.

In Sunday’s 125-109 loss, Harden notched his first triple-double for Philadelphia. He finished with 29 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds.

New York also didn’t have an answer for Joel Embiid, who scored a game-high 37 points and pulled down nine rebounds.

During the game, Embiid was receiving MVP chants from the crowd at Madison Square Garden. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Harden said after the game that he felt like he was playing in Philadelphia.

James Harden throws shade at New York Knicks fans after dominant win.

Although Sixers fans are excitedly awaiting tonight’s game, their sights have been set on Mar. 10.

Why?Well, that’s when Brooklyn will travel to Philadelphia for the first time since the Nets-Sixers blockbuster trade that took place on Feb. 10. There isn’t yet word on if Ben Simmons will play or not but either way, Harden will have a chance to prove to his former team why he wanted to team up with Embiid before the start of the playoffs.

The Knicks have no use for the Nets but perhaps the two teams can now agree on something. Is Harden New York’s biggest enemy?

Get it… Brooklyn Dodger? Harden left the Nets on not-so-great terms.

Harden had his issues when he was with Brooklyn and was inconsistent but one of his best games came against the Knicks on Nov. 30. He had 34 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in a narrow 112-110 win for the Nets.

And here Harden is on a hot streak of his own. He’s helped to orchestrate two huge victories in his first two games for Philadelphia. Meanwhile, New York’s in the midst of a five-game losing streak and lacks the power to take down the Harden-Embiid duo. The timing couldn’t be any worse for the Knicks.

However, let’s not forget that on the same day that Harden was traded to the Sixers, New York beat Steph Curry and the Warriors at Chase Center. Julius Randle tallied 28 points and 16 rebounds and will need to have a similar performance in Philadelphia for the Knicks to have a shot at winning.

Randle shot 30.8% against the Sixers on Sunday and finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. RJ Barrett (24 points), Evan Fournier (24 points), and Immanuel Quickley (21 points) also scored in double-digits for New York and it still wasn’t enough.

We can dream and hope that the Knicks will shock Philly fans. That’d be classic to spoil Harden’s debut but then again, it’d mean that New York would be doing Brooklyn a favor.

At this point, we have to try to find a silver lining in what will likely be yet another loss for the Knicks.

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