In case you missed it, the NBA held its much-anticipated Christmas Day video games this weekend, together with playoff rematches between the Celtics-Bucks and Warriors-Grizzlies. Reviews additionally started circulating about 76ers capturing guard James Harden “significantly contemplating” returning to Houston as a free agent.
Right here’s what occurred throughout the L over the weekend. Let’s get it.
James Harden is Reportedly “Significantly Contemplating” Returning to Houston:
In response to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski at ESPN, Harden is reportedly contemplating a reunion with the Rockets if he doesn’t re-sign with Philadelphia as a free agent in July.
Nevertheless, after the Sixers’ win over the Knicks on Christmas Day, Harden addressed the media and allow them to understand how he actually feels about being in Philly.
“I’m right here, we’re taking part in very properly, and I don’t know the place that report got here from,” Harden stated, per NBC Sports activities Philadelphia. “However I’m excited to be right here, and we’re taking part in properly. We’re persevering with to get higher.”
In the meantime, Harden caught everybody’s consideration with this colourful vacation match. Disguise y’all presents.
Joel Embiid and Harden Mix to Rating 64 Factors in opposition to the Knicks:
The Beard (29 factors and 13 dimes) and Joel Embiid (35 factors) put up a mixed 64 factors, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists to assist the 76ers lengthen their win streak to eight video games with a 119-112 dub over the Knicks on Sunday.
The Sixers outscored the Knicks 24-9 to open the fourth and turned a one-point deficit right into a 116-102 lead late within the fourth quarter.
“It was a kind of video games the place you’ve simply obtained to stay round,” Harden stated per ESPN. “Like, stick round, stick round, after which fourth quarter, you give your self an opportunity.
64 PTS | 12 REB | 14 AST @JHarden13 & @JoelEmbiid‘s mixed Christmas Day stat line. vote each for NBA All-Star: https://t.co/kNf5hhEIQx. 🌟
🎥 introduced by @palottery pic.twitter.com/Lu2cQROE6c
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 25, 2022
Jayson Tatum Torches the Bucks For 41 Factors whereas Jaylen Brown Takes Over:
Jayson Tatum posted 41 factors, together with a ferocious first-half yam over Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jaylen Brown scored 29 factors to assist Boston (24-10) reclaim the highest report within the League with a 139-118 win over the Bucks (22-11).
Boston grabbed a 100-86 lead after Tatum scored 20 factors within the third quarter, and Brown introduced the Celtics house with 13 factors within the ultimate body; he additionally refused to again down after posting a display that despatched the Greek Freak to the bottom. Brown and Antetokounmpo had a back-and-forth, however y’all understand it’s solely basketball. The gamers don’t take it significantly, and neither ought to basketball followers.
Boston gave Milwaukee their first three-game dropping streak, whereas the Celtics have now received back-to-back contests after dropping 5 out of six current video games.
HE CAUGHT ONE 🗣@jaytatum0 hammered it house in tonight’s @JetBlue Play of the Sport pic.twitter.com/ZU6oCbvRB0
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 26, 2022
Jordan Poole Put Up a Dominate 32 Factors to Lead Golden State Previous Memphis:
Jordan Poole did what he needed to do to play Grinch and destroy the Grizzlies’ Christmas after he dropped a team-high 32 factors to guide the Warriors previous Memphis on Sunday. Draymond Inexperienced (13 rebounds, 13 assists, two blocks) and Klay Thompson (24 factors on 8-25 capturing) additionally put up some strong performances. They performed up the burgeoning rivalry they’ve with Memphis with some chic shi*t speaking towards Dillon Brooks as properly.
“He is aware of that he can’t get a second one. He’s nonetheless a younger participant,” head coach Steve Kerr stated per ESPN. “Jordan was implausible tonight, and we would have liked his offensive firepower.”
Dray ➡️ Jordan
» https://t.co/ocDF2EGGU9 pic.twitter.com/HL0YggMOBa
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 26, 2022
Nikola Jokic Drops a Christmas Day Triple-Double Towards the Suns:
Nikola Jokic (41 factors, 15 boards, and 15 dimes) dropped his 83rd profession triple-double and led the Nuggets to a 128-125 win over the Phoenix Suns. The 2-time MVP recorded a 40-point, 27-rebound, 10-assist efficiency every week in the past. It was the fourth 40-point, 15-rebound, 15-assist sport in League historical past. Oscar Robertson (1961, 1962) achieved it twice, and James Harden did it in 2016.
“Sick,” Aaron Gordon stated of Jokic’s outing, per ESPN. “These are online game numbers.”
One other MVP efficiency
41/15/15. Triple-Double 8️⃣3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/W5PNYlDFar
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 26, 2022
Jamal Murray (26 factors, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) pressured additional time with a game-tying dunk, and Aaron Gordon put the exclamation level on the win with a poster over Landry Shamet.
“Yeah,” Gordon stated. “Due to the time and rating.”
Nuggets Nation BROUGHT THE ENERGY tonight. For that, we go away you with this
Goodnight, Wuggets Wation 🫡 pic.twitter.com/WOYUm1twk7
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 26, 2022
