Fans React to Sixers Coach Doc Rivers Putting Second Unit Struggles on James Harden Following Pistons Loss

"It was more James than them," the Philadelphia 76ers head coach said in response to a comment about his team losing to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.

April 1, 2022

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 23: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Philadelphia 76ers speaks with James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a 126-121 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE

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While speaking to reporters after his team lost 102-94 to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers responded to a comment about the bench unit struggling during the game. Rivers defended those players and seemed to suggest that James Harden was more responsible.

“Well, they didn’t struggle,” Rivers said. “They didn’t get a lot of shots. You know, in their defense. I think during that stretch it was more James than them. So… yeah it’s just a tough night.”

Rivers’ comment comes on the heels of the coach saying that he wanted Harden to be more of an aggressive scorer than playmaker.

“We just need you to be you,” Rivers said of Harden, per The Philadelphia Inquirer. “Don’t worry about everyone else. As long as you and Joel [Embiid] are in the right spots, we’ll figure out everyone else. But we need you to think of yourself as a scorer, not the way you played in Brooklyn, the way you were a point guard and trying to run the team.’

You can check out some reactions to Rivers’ comments below.