Harden lifts hopes of 76ers fans on debut

James Harden has given Philadelphia 76ers fans early hope that the multi-player trade that brought him from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Australian star Ben Simmons, Seth Curry and Andrew Drummond will pay dividends.

Making his 76ers debut in Minneapolis on Friday night, 2018 MVP Harden started and had 27 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds in a 133-102 rout of the Minnesota Timberwolves as superstar teammate Joel Embiid added 34 points and 10 rebounds.

Philadelphia finally got to see how their big name twosome worked together after Harden missed his first two games following the trade with a hamstring injury.

The results were promising, particularly where centre Embiid and Harden thrive - at the free-throw line.

MVP candidate Embiid was 11 of 13 from the line. Harden was 8 of 9 as the 76ers went 30 of 36 overall.

Demonstrating early chemistry, the pair shared a midcourt hug at one point after Harden hit a trademark stepback 3-pointer while being fouled.

The 76ers are well-placed for a major tilt in the playoffs, sitting third in the eastern conference with a 36-23 record despite having been without the disgruntled Simmons all season.

"That's what I expected," said Embiid, smiling wide as he shared a postgame press conference with Harden. "I've never been wide open like this in my life. Seriously, the passing, like I wasn't even expecting it and it was just coming."

Harden said: "We're unselfish, we just want to win. We've got guys, from top to bottom, that it feels that way on the court. Great things are going to happen more times than not. My job is to come in and add to each individual on this team."

Harden was asked why he maybe gets a reputation as a bad teammate.

"I don't know why," Harden said. "That's for