Multiple Sixers praise Tobias Harris for 3-point shooting vs. Hornets
PHILADELPHIA–In order for the Philadelphia 76ers to continue to have success on the floor and build off a 144-114 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, they will need more hot shooting out of Tobias Harris to keep building.
Harris had 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting and he was 5-for-9 from deep in the win as he was able to get into a rhythm rather quickly. He had three triples in the opening quarter and he really helped the Sixers get going on the offensive end of the floor. The Hornets allowed him to get into a rhythm and that was a big factor in the win for Philadelphia.
The biggest thing with Harris is always hesitation, but not in this one. The nine 3-pointers he attempted were a welcomed sign for the Sixers.
“We need more volume and I was happy that he didn’t think about anything today, but letting it fly,” said Joel Embiid. “It’s been a work in progress so I’m happy that he’s not thinking anymore. He’s just letting it fly and you can see the results.”
Entering Saturday, Harris has been shooting 42.9% from deep. That number will go up a little after the performance on Saturday.
“Opportunities, man,” said James Harden. “Opportunities that our penetration, getting into the paint, Jo double teamed in the post, and Tobias has that confidence to knock down a shot. We need him and he’s definitely been taking that shot, but just getting into the paint. Tonight, he had five assists (he actually had four) so just his playmaking ability as well has definitely improved. He’s more comfortable.”
This has been a continued adjustment for Harris as he learns now that he has to be a catch-and-shoot guy playing next to Harden and Embiid. He filled that role perfectly to help the Sixers succeed. The nine 3-pointers need to be the
“He has to,” said coach Doc Rivers. “Playing with James, he’s getting more, he’s getting comfortable again. You remember last year at the beginning of the year when he was really comfortable shooting them, he kinda got away from that. This year, we didn’t have that guy in transition to get it to him. Now he has a guy to get him it and he’s looking for them. We want him to.”
Harris has always been a guy who makes adjustments on the fly and for the Sixers, they will need him to continue shooting this way. He’s essential to what they want to do.
“Just continuing to grow day by day,” said Harris. “Just being shot ready and being ready to shoot quicker and take those types of looks and evaluating how the defense is playing. That was the biggest thing to adapt to when playing more off the ball. Tonight looks really good, but the last bunch of games, I’ve been in a really good rhythm of shooting the basketball, being confident, and letting it fly and picking my spots better on the floor.”
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