L.A. Clippers guard James Harden. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: James Harden has no idea why Sixers fans booed him

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 3/28/24

Clippers guard James Harden was mercilessly booed by 76ers fans in his return to Philadelphia on Wednesday night.

The sold-out crowd at Wells Fargo Center wasn't done booing Harden just during the pre-game starting lineup introductions. Instead, he was routinely booed every time he touched the ball, missed an open shot or committed a turnover. It was ruthless.

James Harden boo'd by the Philly crowd

First game back since being traded to the Clippers

(via @NBCSPhilly)pic.twitter.com/jQTtQs0lP4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 27, 2024

After the game, Harden questioned the intentions of the Sixers fan base, suggesting that they didn't know why they were booing him.

"I mean, I expected it," Harden told reporters. "I really don't know what it's about, but I expected it. So it is what it is. I don't even know why they were booing. If you ask them, they probably don't know why they were booing."

Are Philadelphia fans dealing with a case of misdirected anger?

Probably not. Harden's meltdowns in Game 6 and Game 7 against Boston in last year's playoffs are much too fresh in their memory. Harden shot a combined 7-of-27 and committed 10 turnovers in those games.

"If you ask them, they probably don't know why they were booing."

James Harden reacts to the boos from the Philly crowd... and provides a very quick answer to his feelings towards Daryl Morey. pic.twitter.com/KmpMhVfkiW
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 28, 2024

The former MVP added that he's "moved on" from the ugly publicized breakup with the franchise, which led to him calling Sixers boss Daryl Morey "a liar" several times before the start of the season.

"Personally, I feel like I did everything to help the team get better, for the city and for myself, to win a championship," Harden said reflecting on his stint in Philadelphia.

Harden and the Clippers ended up having the last laugh on Wednesday, albeit due to a controversial late-game call that robbed the Sixers of victory.

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