James Harden got a very Philly welcome in his first game of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Philadelphia 76ers fans booed loudly at tipoff when the 11-time All-Star started the game with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His teammate, Jarrett Allen, tipped the ball back to Harden and Harden dribbled the ball forward for the first possession of the game as the jeers rained down.
— ART OF THE LEAGU3 (@highlightsofart) October 22, 2026
He was booed again when he was fouled at the 9:19 mark and took his place at the free throw line. He missed the first free throw, but made the second.
Harden joined the Cavaliers last year after a stint with the Los Angeles Clippers. He played for the 76ers for two seasons from 2021 to 2023. This offseason, he signed a three-year, $97 million extension to stay in Cleveland.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: James Harden booed in return to Philadelphia with Cavaliers