The NBA playoffs continue, in the already concluded first-round series between the Philadelphia 76ers and raptors. The 76ers won the muscular game on the road and eventually eliminated their opponents 4:2 by a large margin to become another team that advanced to the second round. Their opponent in the semifinals was the Heat. In game 6 with the Raptors, the 76ers were able to win the game, and Harden, the core of the team, played a vital role. Harden, who had been in the doldrums in the previous game, ushered in an outbreak in this game, he had 22 points and 6 rebounds on 7 of 12 shots in the whole game and sent 15 assists, hardened on the personal offensive end, and the iconic retreat goal, violent dunk, announced that he was out of the slump; at the same time, under his organizational tandem, Philadelphia performed well at both ends of the offensive and defensive ends, and finally the team refused to reverse the promotion to the second round.
The 76ers' record and Harden's performance can be said to have pierced the Nets, with Harden's help, the 76ers are still playing in the playoff schedule, and the Nets have ended all the schedules of the season early. It should be noted that earlier than this time, philadelphia and the Nets reached a deal, only two months have passed. After 2 months, look at the five-for-two transaction, two winners and three losers were born, and Durant became the biggest loser.
Fast forward to the regular season trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets made a blockbuster deal, with the 76ers sending Ben Simmons, Andre Drummond and Seth Curriga two first-round picks (an unprotected first-round pick in 2022 and a protected first-round pick in 2027) for James Harden and Paul Millsap. Harden eventually managed to join the 76ers. At the time, it seemed that the two teams could be said to take what they needed to complete the deal, after all, Ben Simmons and Harden, who were the core of the deal, had irresolvable contradictions with their respective teams. Both parties are very satisfied with the outcome of the transaction. But just over two months later, the two teams had very different results.
Losers a net. The Nets, who aspire to win the championship, are the only team in the league to be swept out in the playoffs, and such a record is undoubtedly a huge failure for the Nets who originally aimed to impact the championship. In order to build the Nets' lineup, the team management can say that a lot of effort and salary have been paid. The Nets sent Harden to get Simmons for a trade, hoping that Simmons could help the team in organizing the passing team, who had thought that Simmons would not be able to play for the Nets in a game. Eventually eliminated in the first round, the Nets became the loser of the deal.
Loser two Simmons. The topic of Simmons. We should start with his injury. After coming to the Nets, Simmons' debut time was pushed back and forth. It has previously been reported (the last reported) that Simmons will return in the G4 game, but in the end Simmons is still absent. Simmons' performance will undoubtedly affect his future career.
Loser three Durant. Durant is undoubtedly the biggest loser in the deal. Durant, who killed four of the five-star Warriors that year, has not had an ideal record since leaving. In the past few seasons, the best results have only reached the second round, and this season has been swept in the first round. This is undoubtedly a heavy blow for Durant, who has always wanted to prove himself. Although Durant is still at his peak, it will undoubtedly be more difficult for him to impact the championship in the coming seasons.
Winners were one of 76. The 76ers are among the winners in this trade. Sending away a reluctant Ben Simmons, as well as Cescuiri, Drummond and two first-round picks, although it will have a certain impact on the 76ers' roster, but Harden's arrival completely makes up for this problem, and Arden has brought great help to the actual owner with his performance. Although Harden had two sluggish performances in the playoffs, after his adjustment in this game, he once again ushered in an outbreak, and gave 15 assists throughout the game. Under his contagion, the schedule also played a smoother attack.
Winner two Harden. For Harden to leave the place he didn't want to stay in to Philadelphia to join embiid, and won the first round, advanced to the second round, and came one step closer to impacting the championship. Harden joins forces with Embiid to launch an assault on his goal.
Of course the playoffs are still going on, the 76ers. Whether Embiid and Harden can laugh to the end and lift the championship trophy depends on how they perform next!