Rivers’ Gospel Song Inspires Harden’s Heroic Performance in 76ers’ Game 4 Overtime Win
James Harden bounces back after two disappointing performances in Games 2 and 3 of the Eastern semifinal between 76ers and Celtics
James Harden bounces back after two disappointing performances in Games 2 and 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. 76ers coach Doc Rivers decided to motivate his star player before Game 4 by sending him a gospel song titled “You Know My Name.”
Harden shares his experience: “I was on my way to the game and got a text from Doc. It was a gospel song, and I thought, ‘All right, let’s give it a shot.’ I listened to it with my friends for all seven minutes and figured there must be some good vibes in that song. And I guess it worked.”
Indeed, Harden dominated the game, scoring 42 points on 16-for-23 shooting, including 6-for-9 from three-point range, along with eight rebounds, nine assists, four steals, one block, and only one turnover in 47 minutes. He hit the tying shot in the closing seconds of regulation and then sank a decisive three-pointer with 19 seconds left in overtime, giving the 76ers an extraordinary 116-115 victory at the Wells Fargo Center.