“76ers stage epic comeback against Celtics with Harden’s game-winning three-pointer in triple overtime”

The Philadelphia 76ers erased a 15-point deficit in the second half to stave off the Boston Celtics 116-115 in a nail-biting encounter on Sunday. Star player James Harden led the fight back, scoring 42 points and hitting the game-tying and game-winning shots to help the 76ers stay alive in the series. Despite the Celtics’ spirited comeback in the fourth and Marcus Smart’s potential game-winner, it was Harden who sealed the deal in overtime, burying a three-pointer with just 18 seconds remaining on the clock.

“I just want to win,” Harden said. “Today was do-or-die for us.”

Harden, who invited John Hao, a paralyzed Michigan State shooting survivor, to watch the game as his guest, signed his game-worn sneakers and dedicated his performance to him. “He’s strong, he’s bouncing back, he’s recovering very well,” Harden said. “I feel like it’s my job to give him that light, that smile that he deserves. Hopefully today was one of those days where he can smile.”

The win puts the 76ers back in contention in the series, which is now tied at 2-2, with Game 5 set to take place on Tuesday. The 76ers return home for Game 6 on Thursday, and while their fans were tense down the stretch, the team managed to hold on with P.J. Tucker making the decisive plays and Al Horford putting them ahead.

After a poor performance in the previous two games, Harden finally came to the party, hitting all three 3s in the first half and scoring 21 points, five more than his Game 3 total. The 76ers’ fans will be hoping the Harden magic continues throughout the remainder of the series.

Philosophically speaking, this game served as a reminder of the importance of grit and determination in the face of adversity. While the Celtics mounted a comeback, the 76ers refused to give up, taking the game to overtime and winning it when it mattered the most.

As for the Celtics, Jaylen Brown identified his poor defensive read when he ditched Harden and tried to double team Joel Embiid as the pivotal moment that allowed the 76ers to tie the game. “It’s a gamble at the wrong time and a big shot by James Harden,” he said. “That’s my fault. I take full accountability.”

In conclusion, while individual abilities can be crucial in determining the outcome of a game, it is often the collective resolve and spirit that can make all the difference. With two games remaining in the series, it will be interesting to see which team emerges victoriously and secures a place in the Eastern Conference finals.