Ten-time All-Star James Harden and his Philadelphia 76ers have stopped the Milwaukee Bucks from winning in the North American professional basketball league NBA. There is a lot of excitement about young star Ja Morant, who is not in the squad for his club, the Memphis Grizzlies for the time being.
In the duel between the first and the third in the east, Philadelphia prevailed over the brilliant James Harden on Saturday evening (March 4th, 2023) with 133:130 at the Milwaukee Bucks. For the Bucks it was the first defeat after 16 consecutive successes. The winning streak was the longest of any NBA team this season – most recently the Phoenix Suns had won more games in a row earlier in the preseason.
The key player in a wild and competitive game was 76ers star Harden. The 33-year-old scored 21 of his 38 points in the final quarter, which the 76ers won 48-31, crowning their comeback from a 77-95 deficit. Harden also had nine rebounds and ten assists. “He was fantastic, one great shot after the other. He brought us back, he was just James Harden,” said team-mate Joel Embiid, who contributed 31 points.
Harden and Embiid put their team in the last minute with two three-pointers in quick succession for the first time in the second half, which the 76ers could not take. The Bucks’ best player was superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo with 34 points and 13 rebounds.
Ja Morant left the squad at Memphis
Young star Ja Morant made headlines off the court. According to a statement from his club, the Memphis Grizzlies point guard is not in the squad for two games for the time being. The club did not provide any information on the reasons for the measure, and initially did not speak of a suspension. However, the New York Times recently reported that the NBA had launched an investigation into a social media post. It’s about a video in which Morant is said to be seen in a nightclub with a gun in his hand.
According to the New York Times, images of this also appeared on Morant’s Instagram account as live video. In the meantime, however, it is no longer available there, Morant’s social media accounts have been deactivated. Morant released a statement through his agency on Saturday, in which he took “full responsibility for my actions last night” – but without going into detail. He apologized to everyone he should have disappointed. “I will take some time and look for ways to better manage stress and feel better,” the statement said.
Weapons prohibited for players in NBA operations
Under league regulations set forth in the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, players are prohibited from carrying handguns while at club facilities or traveling with their clubs. Morant had played with the Grizzlies at the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.