Sixers-Hawks storyline to watch: Tobias Harris vs. a real defense
Tobias Harris dominated the Wizards in round one, averaging 25.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 50.5 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from deep. It was his best playoff series as a Sixer by far. It was a welcome change after last season’s horrendous effort in the Bubble. That said, it’s fair to doubt the sustainability of Harris’ dominance.
Unlike the Wizards, the Hawks have players who are capable of above-average defense. Harris will no longer face a revolving door of Rui Hachimura and 6-foot guards. He will have to produce against the likes of DeAndre Hunter, John Collins, and Danilo Gallinari (okay, the last one isn’t so challenging). Simply put, Atlanta can throw actual length and athleticism against Harris.
Harris is at his worst when he tries to do too much. He’s an elite spot-up shooter, a great downhill finisher, and a sneakily good pick-and-roll ball-handler. When he tries too much side-to-side action, however, things get dicey. When he over-dribbles, or tries to dominate possessions, then he becomes a problem, not a solution. If he slips into the bad habits of yesteryear, the Hawks can exploit it.
This series will give us a fuller picture of the new Tobias. The Tobias Harris who had fans rallying behind him in the All-Star debate. The Tobias Harris who, for a time, made fans forget about his gazillion dollar contract and appreciate his contributions on the court. This series will inevitably determine how Harris is talked about next offseason.,