James Harden shines in Philly home debut

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James Harden saw the fake beards dangling from chins, oversized cutouts of his head waving above outstretched arms and heard 76ers fans shouting from the stands that they loved him.

Harden knew from his first step on the court that his nearly 14-month, three-team journey — that he in large part orchestrated — brought him exactly where he wanted to play.

"I just wanted to come out there and show my love back," Harden said.

Much like the bushy beard that defines his image, Harden has grown on the 76ers.

Harden had a packed house in a frenzy from the moment he was introduced as "making his Philadelphia home debut," then flashed his MVP form with 26 points, nine assists and nine rebounds to lead the 76ers to a 123-108 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

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Philadelphia 76ers' James Harden reacts after a basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Joel Embiid had 27 points and 12 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey scored 25 points.

"We all just fit together," Embiid said.

But the night belonged to the Beard.

The Sixers moved to 3-0 with Harden in the lineup and his dynamic duo hookup with Embiid has suddenly stamped the Sixers as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference.

"I feel like you can put me anywhere in the room and I can fit in," Harden said. "Here is no different. Just see what you have and try your best to fit in. Be the best James Harden I can be in every aspect."

Harden needed time to warm up to the new digs. His first points came with 5:32 left in the first quarter on,