NBA Twitter reacts to James Harden's 45 points in 76ers' stunning Game 1 win over Celtics

Gilbert McGregor

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NBA Twitter reacts to James Harden's 45 points in 76ers' stunning Game 1 win over Celtics image

James Harden turned back the clock to help the 76ers steal Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals from the Celtics.

With Joel Embiid sidelined, Harden tied a playoff career-high with 45 points (on 17-of-30 shooting), including a 3-pointer with 8.4 seconds would put the Sixers ahead for good as they escaped TD Garden with a 119-115 win.

The 3 to give Harden 45 for the game? Nothing short of cold-blooded.

Counted out by many before the series began, the Sixers now have a 1-0 series lead and have stolen home court advantage while Embiid inches closer to his return.

The performance was a welcome sight for Philadelphia fans, who last saw Harden score over 30 points in early March. It's his first 40-point game in a Sixers uniform — his last 40-point performance came over two years ago.

And the performance placed Harden in some elite Sixers company.

Harden's heroics did not go unnoticed either, as his performance drew reactions from across the NBA world.

NBA Twitter reacts to James Harden's vintage performance in Game 1 vs. Celtics

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.