Doc Rivers Assesses James Harden’s 1st Sixers Preseason After Home Win

PHILADELPHIA–The preseason is officially over for the Philadelphia 76ers as they knocked off the Charlotte Hornets 99-94 to finish 4-0 in the exhibition schedule. For the Sixers, the preseason ended on a positive note, but the final scores don’t matter with this team. It’s all about how their stars look out on the floor.

James Harden, specifically, has had all eyes on him during this preseason schedule as he begins his first full season with the team. He finished the exhibition season on a solid note as he had 17 points on 6-for-15 shooting from the floor and he was 4-for-8 on triples.

Harden was able to regain some of his burst and that is why the Sixers are feeling good about The Beard heading into the regular season.

“I thought he got better each game,” said coach Doc Rivers after the win. “You can see him getting more comfortable. The last two, in particular, I thought he played with more pace which is what he needs to do and I think he is starting to find a balance now. It takes time, scoring and being a playmaker, I think he’s starting to do both of those.”

Harden still has to find that balance of being a ruthless scorer at times as well as making plays for others, but he is such a smart basketball player that it will come in due time. The focus now is getting ready for the Boston Celtics on the road on Tuesday.