James Harden lives up to hype in Philadelphia debut as 76ers rout Minnesota Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS — The curtain raised for the first time on the Joel Embiid-James Harden partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night at Target Center against the Minnesota Timberwolves. And, after two weeks of buildup and anticipation for what these two superstars would look like together, opening night lived up to the hype.

Behind 27 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists from Harden, and 34 points and 10 rebounds from Embiid, Philadelphia cruised to a 133-102 victory over Minnesota, in what Philadelphia hopes will be a sign of things to come.

«I keep telling our guys, yesterday and today, we don't need to overcomplicate this early on, at least,» 76ers coach Doc Rivers said before the game. «We need to just put guys in the right space and just play. We do that, and we'll be OK.»

The Sixers (36-23) were more than OK Friday night, casually imposing their will on the Timberwolves (32-29) throughout the game, allowing Philadelphia to have a comfortable win and give their stars a seat on the bench for the game's final minutes.

Harden, wearing his No. 1 jersey — the best-selling one in the NBA over the past two weeks — and with a white sleeve to go on his left leg that matched his white jersey, took the court for the first time as a 76er alongside Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid, greeting each of them before the opening tip.

But rather than imposing his will instantly, Harden instead was content to move the ball through the opening minutes, keeping it swinging from side-to-side rather than looking to score himself.

When he finally did, though, with 8:43 remaining in the first quarter, it was a familiar sight: Harden blasting his way through contact and finishing a layup at the rim, plus a