Ever since James Harden made his team debut a couple of days ago, the Philadelphia 76ers have been on a roll. Granted, it’s only two games, but those two games consisted of blowout away wins against the Timberwolves and the Knicks.
One reason for those wins has been the free-throw shooting by Harden and MVP candidate Joel Embiid. The two are a combined 52 for 59 from the free-throw line the past two games. And on Sunday, there were so many free throws that Embiid scored more points (23 to 14) from the line than in open play.
Now, it’s debatable whether or not some of these fouls should’ve been fouls but the Sixers are getting to the line and are making the most of the opportunity. When Ben Simmons was in Philadelphia, it was rather effective for a team to foul him and make him beat them with free throws. Now that Simmons is in Brooklyn, it’s going to be tough to win games with that strategy.
Social media took notice of Harden and Embiid’s penchant for shooting free throws.
The free throw line after Embiid and Harden first game together pic.twitter.com/VtWhk6eX73
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 25, 2022
Joel Embiid Today: 27 free throw attempts
LeBron James in the past 6 games: 26 free throw attempts
— Zain (@zain_gogh) February 27, 2022
James Harden and Joel Embiid have combined for 35 free throw attempts so far in today's game. Pascal Siakam has taken 40 free throws since February 3rd.
Pascal Siakam takes more shots within 10 feet than either Embiid or Harden.
— Pascal Propaganda (@PascalFanClub) February 27, 2022
this free throw line’s next of kin about to sign a Do Not Resuscitate order.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) February 27, 2022
Harden, Embiid and the free throw line. You can’t name a better trio
— ً (@arxanii) February 27, 2022
Joel and James together will be living rent free at free throw line https://t.co/2CP1c3E4Kd
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) February 27, 2022
World B Free throw https://t.co/0ojWnROJEC
— LeBig Mac (@_LeBondJames_) February 27, 2022
https://twitter.com/abdiwick/status/1498032190713733131?s=20&t=aEyvqKul7M4GVlVGZwuHLg
https://twitter.com/iBusinessMinder/status/1498032006139158533?s=20&t=aEyvqKul7M4GVlVGZwuHLg
