Scoreboard
Hornets 125, Raptors 93
Thunder 129, Pacers 125 (OT)
Magic 119, Rockets 111
Spurs 157, Wizards 153 (2OT)
Heat 115, Knicks 100
Sixers 133, Timberwolves 102
Pelicans 117, Suns 102
Jazz 114, Mavericks 109
Clippers 105, Lakers 102
What went down
A lot of fans, and experts, were anticipating James Harden's debut with the Philadelphia 76ers ever since the trade went down a couple of weeks ago.
Today, everyone got to witness the new-look Sixers and Harden immediately showed the value he brings to the squad.
Against the Timberwolves, Harden started alongside MVP candidate Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle, and Tyrese Maxey. Philly dominated from the opening tip and took a lead as high as 27 en route to the win.
Harden's debut did not disappoint as finished with 27 points, including five 3s. He also dished out 12 assists and grabbed eight rebounds.
The Sixers only had one practice with Harden heading into Saturday so both sides are still in a feeling-out phase. But Harden looked spry and bouncy in his debut and tried to stick within the system, only taking 12 shots. He was also instrumental in getting his teammates involved as Embiid ended with 34 points and Maxey scored 28.
With Harden in the mix, the Sixers are looking to further climb the East standings where they are now in third place with a 35-23 record.
Big-time ballers
The game between the San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards was a classic. It took two overtime sessions before the Spurs outlasted the Wizards for a 157-153 win.
Dejounte Murray continues his stellar season with another triple-double, collecting 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 14 assists for the Spurs.
Kyle Kuzma's numbers were just as impressive despite the loss. He had a season-high 36 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a block.
What's in a number?
1,334 — With the double OT win over the Wizards, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is now two victories away from passing Don Nelson (1,335 wins) as the winningest coach in NBA history.
Did you see that?
Just in case you didn't know, Mason Plumlee got handles.
Mason Plumlee was in his bag 🎒 pic.twitter.com/mu0f5pshh8
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 26, 2022
