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Joel Embiid says he and James Harden are “unstoppable”

By Shannon Duff

Feb 27, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) and center Joel Embiid (21) greet each other after the New York Knicks call a timeout in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) and center Joel Embiid (21) greet each other after the New York Knicks call a timeout in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joel Embiid says he and James Harden are "unstoppable"
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 27: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts with Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2022 in New York City. Philadelphia 76ers won 125-109, Joel Embiid says he and James Harden are “unstoppable”. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

The Phildiepha 76ers have had an amazing season so far, and currently, they are sitting at the third seed in the tightly contested Eastern Conference. James Harden has only played in Philly for two games, but in those two games, he’s racked up 56 points and 28 assists.

In his last contest against the New York Knicks, he recorded a triple-double – 29 points,10 rebounds, and 16 assists. In doing so, Harden became the first player in league history to put up at least 25 points and 10 assists in his first two games with a team.

Even though Harden and Embiid have only played in two games together, they already look like they are poised to be an unstoppable pairing. At least, that’s the word Embiid used to describe their fit together after the win over New York.

Embiid then went into detail about how the two fit together with the rest of Philadelphia’s squad:

"“He’s a great passer, and obviously I’ve got someone that attracts a lot of attention to him, so you’ve got to make a decision. Do you stay on me, or do you stay on him? And if you want to guard both of us with the other guys, now you’ve got Matisse [Thybulle] diving to the rim or wide-open shooters that have got one job to do.”"

And Embiid’s not wrong, either. If he and Harden aren’t open, then chances are Matisse Thybulle will be open for a layup because the other team’s defense will be too focused on trying to stop them. And if Thybulle gets cut off, then someone is almost certainly open on the three-point line.

It’s an impossible choice for opposing defenses.

Their next game is another tilt against the Knicks, who they just beat by 16 points (125-109). On paper, this should be another easy game for the Sixers. However, since the Knicks just played Philly, maybe Tom Thibodeau comes better prepared to deal with the Sixers’ new-look offense.

But based on the way Joel Embiid describes his fit with Harden, it’s going to be tough for any team to deal with the Sixers. If they continue to play like this, the league needs to watch out.