Doc Rivers calls out James Harden after loss to Pistons

Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers was not afraid to call out his star player. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Doc Rivers calls out James Harden after 76ers' loss to lowly Pistons

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 3/31/22

The Philadelphia 76ers have lost three games in a row, and Doc Rivers isn’t letting his bench take the blame for the latest defeat.

The Sixers lost to the Detroit Pistons 102-94 on Thursday night, getting outscored by 14 points in the fourth quarter. Philly’s bench was criticized for scoring only eight points. But Rivers doesn’t think it’s the bench’s fault. Instead, the Sixers head coach thinks James Harden was taking a lot of shots (and not delivering).

A reporter said something in Rivers’ postgame media appearance about the bench struggling. Rivers interjected.

“They didn’t struggle; they didn’t get a lot of shots, in their defense. I think during that stretch, it was more James (Harden) than them,” Rivers said.

The comment drew attention because Rivers didn’t hesitate to call out his star player. That may be surprising to some, but that’s part of Rivers’ style. He is honest and direct, and he’s right: It’s hard to blame the bench when they had only 12 total shot attempts.

Meanwhile, Harden went 4-of-15 and scored only 18 points.

Harden has shot under 30 percent in four games since joining the Sixers. Philly has gone 1-3 in those games. The Sixers need Harden to deliver consistently in order to have a chance to win their games. He didn’t deliver on Thursday night, so it’s no coincidence they lost.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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