PHILADELPHIA — When the Philadelphia 76ers are going well on the offensive end, it is due to the ball moving on the perimeter. That allows a guy like Tobias Harris to step into open looks from deep and find a rhythm.
In Saturday’s Game 1 win over the Brooklyn Nets, Harris had 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting and he knocked down all three of his shots from deep. He didn’t lead the Sixers in scoring. He didn’t make the hustle plays that the energy guys made in order to swing things for Philadelphia. However, those 21 points on that efficiency were hugely important.
“Just taking advantage of the opportunities when they’re presented to me,” said Harris. “Be aggressive, be able to be sharp out there all season long. It’s flows of how we play and, offensively, the opportunities out there, but it’s just staying focused, stay ready, and be ready for the moment.”
When the ball is whipping around the perimeter for the Sixers, they get Harris involved. That is how the catch-and-shoot guy scores his points and makes an impact playing off James Harden and Joel Embiid.
“I was able to get a lot of great looks,” Harris continued. “The ball was flying around and I was able to just get more opportunity. I put that work in to be able to stay consistent, stay efficient throughout the whole season no matter how many shots I get one game or the next game. It’s just being ready for the moment.”
The postseason is all about staying ready. It’s about being ready to contribute whenever the time calls for it, and Harris is a prime example.
“In the playoffs, it’s when you’re gonna have different matchups teams are presenting out there,” he finished. “Double teams, different schemes, and for me, it’s just staying in the moment and being aggressive with all opportunities that come my way, and that’s really all I’m trying to do.”
Philadelphia will need more of that when they host the Nets in Game 2 on Monday before the series shifts to Brooklyn.
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