Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris has been on a tear recently. After a tough opening night performance, he has been playing strong basketball as of late which earned him an Eastern Conference Player of the Week award.
His play continued on Monday as he had 22 points and five rebounds in a 118-101 win over the Charlotte Hornets which is his fourth straight game scoring over 20 points. The win was also Philadelphia’s fourth in a row which should not be a surprise considering how strong he has played.
Some would say Harris is now busting out of his shell, but in actuality, it is the system that has allowed him to play a little freer. Coach Doc Rivers has been preaching a good style of basketball and that is something that helps everybody succeed on the floor.
“I think it’s just the way we’ve been playing as a team,” said Harris after the win. “The system that’s been implemented and what Doc has come in with and the attitude from all of us helping. That’s not necessarily what positions he’s putting myself in, but more what positions he’s putting our whole group in. The mentality and the attitude of playing together, playing as one, doing what we can for the next guy, making the right pass, going from good to great. That mentality, for myself personally, helps myself be in a flow, play better.”
Rivers has been wanting the Sixers to push the ball more and play together. That message has been clearly bought into by the rest of the team as seven players scored in double-figures for the team on offense.
Seeing guys like Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and others go off the way they have been has made it easier for Harris to get his points. His strong play will need to continue for Philadelphia to have a shot this season.
“Going off of that, feeding off other guys,” Harris added. “You look at how Ben’s been playing and getting out in transition, running, finding open guys. Joel has been really utilizing himself as a point-center on the block and being able to catch the ball and make plays and it just helps myself and other guys on the floor.”
The Sixers will now turn their attention to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday as they look to continue their strong play.
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