James Harden booed in Philadelphia return: Explaining chilly reception, controversial ending in Clippers-76ers

Brendan OSullivan

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James Harden booed in Philadelphia return: Explaining chilly reception, controversial ending in Clippers-76ers image

The City of Brotherly Love didn't show much of it to James Harden upon his return Wednesday night.

The former MVP, who played for the 76ers for a little more than a year, made his return to Philadelphia for the first time since the franchise traded him to the Clippers back in October.

The crowd expressed its displeasure for Harden when the announcer called his name during the pregame introductions.

The reunion did not get any warmer after the chilly reception. Los Angeles eked out a 108-107 win on a controversial ending that elicited disbelief from 76ers coach Nick Nurse, guard Kelly Oubre Jr. and the Philadelphia faithful. Here's a breakdown of Harden's reaction to his return and the 76ers' reaction to the ending of the game.

James Harden on his return to Philadelphia 

Harden requested a trade to the Clippers in the summer of 2023 after picking up his $35.6 million player option with the 76ers. He was eventually traded in October following a dramatic saga between him and 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey.

Ahead of his return to Philadelphia, though, the 34-year-old guard said he wasn't thinking of how the fans would react. Rather, he and the Clippers are focused on the playoff chase. Los Angeles (45-27) remained in fourth in the Western Conference standings after Wednesday's win.

“I don’t know, and I don’t care,” Harden said Monday. “We have bigger problems than me worrying about Philadelphia, you know what I mean? We got bigger problems.”

After the game, Harden was asked if he had spoken to his former 76ers teammate Joel Embiid, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, and if there was any chance of reconciliation with Morey. His answer to both questions was simple: "No."

Kelly Oubre Jr., Nick Nurse call out referee

Oubre and Nurse both approached the officials after the controversial ending to the game.

With five seconds remaining, Oubre attempted a layup but was blocked by Kawhi Leonard. After the ensuing jump ball, the 76ers won the tip, but another Oubre drive to the basket was blocked.

Oubre appeared to appeal to the referees for a foul call after both plays. And after the final whistle, cameras caught him using even more colorful language in describing the officials.

"I thought there was certainly contact," Nurse said of Oubre's final shot in his postgame press conference. "I just thought it was enough contact to call."

James Harden contract details

Harden is on his final year of a two-year, $68.6 million deal. He's earning $35.6 million this year, and he will be a free agent the season.

James Harden stats 2023-24

  • 17.1 points per game
  • 8.5 assists per game
  • 5.1 rebounds per game
  • 1.1 steals per game
  • 0.9 blocks per game
  • 2.6 turnovers per game
  • 44 percent field-goal shooting
  • 39.6 percent 3-point shooting
  • 88.4 percent free throw shooting

Brendan OSullivan

Brendan OSullivan Photo

Brendan O'Sullivan is an editorial intern for Sporting News, joining in 2024. He previously worked at Newsday on Long Island, New York after graduating from Quinnipiac University.