76ers hero James Harden reveals he was inspired to get back into shape by a GOSPEL SONG sent to him by coach Doc Rivers before beating the Celtics by a stunning 42 points
James Harden has revealed that he was inspired by a gospel song sent to him by his Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers for his 42-point winning performance against the Boston Celtics on Sunday night.
Harden’s 42 points in Game 4 were topped off with a three-pointer in overtime for a 116–115 win that ties the series between two of the Eastern Conference heavyweights.
In truth, Harden has been in impressive form for weeks, but slumped in Games 2 and 3 against the Celtics, who went to a 2-1 series lead before Sunday’s game.
It was Rivers who first revealed his message, saying with a smile, “I sent him a gospel song. The title of it is ‘You Know My Name’
Harden then gave a more detailed explanation, saying, “I’m on my way to the game and I get a text from Doc.
James Harden was inspired to play for the 76ers again by a gospel song Doc Rivers sent him
Harden was brilliant for the 76ers, scoring 42 points to lead his team to victory
“It’s a gospel song and I’m like, ‘Okay, whatever.’ So I just say to my homies, ‘Let’s play the song.’ It’s a seven minute song, but I had the whole song played.
“I was like, ‘Okay, there must be some kind of good juju in this song, or however he feels, I want to feel that way.’ And I think it worked.’
The song is by Tasha Cobbs Leonard and features vocals from Jimi Cravity. It was released in 2017.
Harden continued, “I just want to win. No matter how it ends, I just want to win.
“Honestly, today was a do-or-die for us. We found a way to win, and that’s all that matters in the postseason.”
His 76ers teammate, PJ Tucker, said he thinks Harden is unplayable if he plays like he did on Sunday.
“No one can guard Joel one-on-one,” Tucker said. ‘There is no way. I’m sorry.
“I’ve guarded him for years, and if he’s aggressive and assertive, that’s impossible.”
Harden pictured alongside Rivers in Game 2, which ended in a loss for the 76ers
MVP Joel Embiid echoed Tucker’s comments.
“That’s what he has to do every night,” Embiid said of Harden. ‘Don’t think about it.
“It’s not about taking a lot of pictures. It’s just about being aggressive, attacking the edge, finding guys, and he was fantastic tonight.”
Game 5 between the 76ers and the Celtics is on Tuesday night, back in Boston.