James Harden Saves the Day, Sixers Knot Series vs. Celtics

Suddenly, the 76ers have life. In fact, they have more than life.

Thanks to a 3-pointer from James Harden in overtime, the Sixers nicked the visiting Celtics by a 116-115 count in Game 4 on Sunday. And don’t look now, but the series is tied at 2-all as it heads back to Boston for Game 5.

That Harden corner three came with 18.2 seconds to go off a pass from Joel Embiid, and the Celtics were unable to make use of the remaining time. It capped a masterful performance from Harden, who finished with a game-high 42 points on 16-of-23 shooting, His floater at the end of regulation sent the game into OT in the first place.

JAMES HARDEN GAME 4 GAME-WINNER ? pic.twitter.com/JCOwvlDYNS

— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 7, 2023

Harden’s corner game-winner came 20 seconds after the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum buried a 28-footer to give the Celtics a 115-113 lead. So it’s safe to say this one had its fair share of big shots and All Star-level performances.

But the Celtics did not call a timeout for their final possession, perhaps making things seem a little more frantic than they needed to be.

“We just had to play with a little more pace there,” coach Joe Mazzulla said, via Jay King of The Athletic.

TATUM FOR THREE ? pic.twitter.com/W4PSoYKOkS

— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 7, 2023

Embiid added 34 points and 13 rebounds for the Sixers, while Harden also collected nine assists and eight boards. 

Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points, Jaylen Brown scored 23 and Marcus Smart went for 21.

JAMES HARDEN FOR THE TIE!

GAME 4 IS HEADING TO OVERTIME ? pic.twitter.com/hLgfVfsG7b

— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 7, 2023