Harden Scores 45 vs Celtics: Best Social Media Reactions to His Game 1 Heroics

• The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 1 on Monday night
• James Harden torched the Celtics in the game, matching a playoff career-high with 45 points
• Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the Philadelphia 76ers superstar

No Joel Embiid, no problem.

James Harden stepped up big time without his All-Star teammate, scoring 45 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a stunning 119-115 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series.

He made the biggest play of the night, knocking down a 3-pointer with 8.4 seconds remaining that gave the Sixers the lead for good.

Harden’s 45 points were the most he’s ever had in a playoff game, matching his career-high in the postseason, per NBC Sports.

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He took it upon himself to be more aggressive in the series opener, knowing that Embiid would not be playing in Game 1.

He shot 17 of 30 from the field, including 7 of 14 from beyond the arc.

Harden also had six assists and two steals in the series opener.

Fans pay tribute to Harden 

NBA fans were quick to react on social media as they paid tribute to the greatness of Harden.

The phrase ‘James Harden is him’ became a trending topic on social media following his 45-point explosion.

Some fans blasted those who said James Harden was washed, noting he went on to win Game 1 by himself.

Fans also posted that this was the best game of Harden’s playoff career.

They pointed out that the go-ahead trey Harden buried in the closing seconds was the biggest shot of his life.

Some fans said Harden’s 45-point explosion in Game 1 was more impressive than the 50-piece Steph Curry recorded in Game 7 against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.

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Curry’s best NBA playoff games 

Sports Brief recently reported on the best games of Steph Curry in the playoffs.

Topping the list is his incredible 50-point performance against the Sacramento Kings.

That’s the most points he’s ever had in a playoff game, and he achieved that in a winner-take-all contest on the road.