James Harden scores 23 points against his former team to lift Clippers over 76ers

PHILADELPHIA  — James Harden had 23 points and eight assists, Ivica Zubac had 16 points and 12 rebounds and the Clippers coasted to a 125-99 win over Philadelphia on Sunday night.

The 76ers fell to 3-13, an improbable record for a team that opened the season as a strong betting favorite to win the Eastern Conference. The Sixers played again without injured All-Stars Joel Embiid and Paul George, both out with knee injuries.

Harden was booed every time he touched the ball by Sixers fans who have not forgotten how he left the team in a lurch when he demanded a trade ahead of the 2023 season.

The Clippers shot around 60% from the floor for most of the game and helped empty the arena early of Sixers fans with plenty of time to catch the Eagles’ kickoff later that night.

Jared McCain scored 18 points and Tyrese Maxey had 17 for the Sixers.