Joel Embiid: Not Awkward Having James Harden Watch Sixers’ Win From Bench

It was the type of home-opener the 76ers surely dreamed about: Joel Embiid dominating and James Harden … well, at least in the building.

The verdict? A 126-98 hammer job of the poor Trail Blazers, who are learning that life without Damian Lillard could be every bit as difficult as predicted (and maybe more).

Anyway, Embiid is the reigning league MVP and showed why on this night, with an utterly masterful showing. In the end, he had erupted for 35 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and a staggering six blocked shots. 

While Embiid dominated, Harden made his first appearance with the rest of the team during an actual game. He didn’t play, but he was there.

Aside from a small segment in the pregame hype video, the Sixers didn’t acknowledge their star guard. Embiid didn’t really, either, but suggested it wasn’t awkward having Harden in the gym.

“When I’m playing, I’m always focused on the game,” Embiid told reporters.

It’s still hard to tell if or when Harden might actually play for the Sixers. He demanded a trade in June, didn’t receive one, and then skipped 10 days of practice. Then the Sixers refused to let him on the team plane for the opening two-game trip.

Now, the Clippers have paused trade talks to boot — and Los Angeles is the only team the Philadelphia was speaking with. So the Sixers-Harden drama could linger for quite some time.

But clearly, it’s no bother to Embiid, or rising guard Tyrese Maxey, who gave another impressive showing with 26 points and 10 boards.

As it stands, new coach Nick Nurse and the Sixers have won two of the first three, with the lone loss coming at Milwaukee by a point.