Sixers: 3 takeaways from commanding Game 2 win vs. Raptors
Sixers-Raptors game two takeaways: Tobias Harris is impacting winning
For much of this season, Tobias Harris was playing the worst basketball of his Sixers career. When James Harden was initially traded, it got even worse — Harris’ shot attempts were down, his percentages were in the gutter, and he just wasn’t playing smart, decisive basketball. The Sixers have always needed smart, decisive basketball from Harris, but with Harden onboard, that transformation (or lack thereof) became paramount.
Thankfully, Harris has made the transformation. Once dragged down by slow decision-making and an over-inflated view of his role in the offense, Harris has made the necessary sacrifices and emerged as possibly the perfect No. 4 option for a title-contending team. He’s pulling the trigger on his 3s quicker than he ever has before, he’s making decisive moves off the catch, he’s blossoming as a passer off drives to the rim. It’s all happening. Harris is playing the brand of basketball fans have begged him to play ever since he arrived with the team.
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Right now, this very version of Harris, is the best version of Tobias Harris we’ve ever seen. He’s better than last season’s failed All-Star campaign, he’s better than Clippers Tobias. This is Tobias Harris at his absolute peak. He’s just clicking on all cylinders, and blending his trademark efficiency with snappy decisions and a real shooter’s mentality.
To make matters even better, Harris is supplying some pretty critical defense for the Sixers, who lack size and athleticism on the perimeter. He’s practically the team’s best answer for Pascal Siakam at this point. His effort on defense and his effort on the glass have been key to Philly’s 2-0 series lead. We will see how the postseason progresses, but Harris deserves his flowers right now.