Sixers Star James Harden Reacts to 45 Point Masterclass in Game 1 vs. Celtics

• James Harden produced an epic 45-point performance in Game 1 against the Boston Celtics
• He was happy to carry the scoring load to help the Philadelphia 76ers take a 1-0 series lead
• Harden tied his playoff career-high but also led the Sixers to victory without star Joel Embiid

James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers stunned the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of Round 2 of the NBA playoffs, winning 119-115 at the TD Garden.

Without MVP candidate, Joel Embiid, Harden took over the game, scoring 45 points to help his team steal Game 1 on the road.

The veteran guard finished the game shooting 17-for-30 from the field, including 7-for-14 from 3-point range, one rebound, six assists, and just three turnovers.

The 2018 NBA MVP had 15 points in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead basket with 8.4 seconds left following an isolation play on Al Horford.

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Harden didn't carry the scoring load alone. Tyrese Maxey (26), and Tobias Harris (18), De’Anthony Melton (17) shared the offensive load, while Paul Reed, who stepped up in Embiid's place, finished with 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, per ESPN.

What Harden said afterwards

The former Houston Rockets star said they went into the game trying to win, per Philly Inquirer.

“I mean, we didn’t come into the game expecting to lose. We are here to win. Even after this game, I told the guys, ‘Don’t get too happy, like be even keel. We are coming in here in to get [victories].’ That’s the mindset that we have as a unit. Whether Jo comes back or not, we’ll be ready to go.”

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However, Harden was delighted with his performance.

"That felt really good... I'm capable of doing it, so it felt good. It felt good to make those shots, to give ourselves a chance."

Many expected the Sixers to drop Game 1 without Embiid, but they battled all night. The Cameroonian has been dealing with a sprained lateral collateral ligament in his right knee suffered on April 20, per the Athletic.

Harden's highest-scoring playoff games

Sports Brief earlier looked at Harden's best playoff games after scoring 45 points against the Celtics.

He scored 45 against the Golden State Warriors in 2015 and 44 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Harden also dropped 43 against the San Antonio Spurs in 2017 and 41 against the Warriors in 2018.