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How Tobias Harris has become a reliable No. 2 option for the 76ers in two years

Tobias Harris has turned into a reliable No. 2 playoff scorer that the 76ers desperately needed.

In the Sixers’ eight playoff games this spring, six of which they’ve won, Harris is averaging 23.6 points and has tallied at least 19 each time. He’s shooting .538 from the field and .370 from 3-point range even with an 8-for-24 outing in a Game 4 first-round loss to the Wizards. He’s also averaging 9.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.6 turnovers for a solid assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.4.

It’s hasn’t always been this way for Harris in Philadelphia.

A year ago during the 4-game sweep by the Celtics, Harris’ numbers were much different (15.8 points, .383 field goal percentage and .133 on 3s). And he was hearing it from some Sixers' fans as the team's highest-paid player after agreeing to a five-year, $180 million contract to remain in Philadelphia.

During the 12 postseason contests in 2019, Harris wasn't much better, averaging 15.5 points and hit .425 of his shots.

Now a 10-year pro, Harris is deferring much less than he did to star center Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler two playoffs ago and attacking more, whether it’s in the low post or midrange.

The 76ers' Tobias Harris, center, goes up for a shot against the Hawks' Clint Capela, right, during Game 2 of the second-round playoff series.
The 76ers' Tobias Harris, center, goes up for a shot against the Hawks' Clint Capela, right, during Game 2 of the second-round playoff series.

Harris and the Sixers, who hold a 2-1 series lead, visit the Hawks on Monday night (7:30 on TNT) in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Game 5 will be Wednesday evening (7:30 on TNT) at the Wells Fargo Center.

Harris is the most comfortable he’s been as a Sixer and is making better decisions with the ball that are paying off for his teammates and himself.

“He’s making the right decisions at the right time,” said Sixers coach Doc Rivers.

Harris is clearly playing with increased confidence, as well as still involving his teammates.

“(Passing has) always been part of my game that I’ve continued to work on,” Harris said. “Throughout my career, I’ve gotten better at that, year after year. It just comes from making the correct play. Obviously, reading the defense a little bit better (now). Just being able to make the right play … (and) putting pressure on the defense. That’s the biggest thing.”

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Harris has developed a knack for when to look for his own shot and when to look for others, especially when he’s on the court with four bench players and receiving extra defensive attention.

“He’s got a great feel,” said Rivers after Sunday’s practice in Atlanta. “We tell him, ‘You know when the double(-team) is coming. Hold it and wait. Let ’em come.’ We just love quick decisions, downhill and then make the right decision. ‘When you have a straight-line drive, take the straight-line drive.’ ”

Rivers, who coached Harris with the Clippers prior to his trade to Philadelphia in February 2019, appreciates Harris’ patience with the ball. But he wants to make sure Harris continues to attack when Harris is in a favorable situation, such as the time he had undersized Atlanta guard Trae Young on him in the post during Game 3 and looked to pass.

“That was a little much,” said Rivers with a laugh.

Tobias Harris reacts after making a basket during Game 5 of the first-round series against the Washington Wizards.
Tobias Harris reacts after making a basket during Game 5 of the first-round series against the Washington Wizards.

Harris and the Sixers will be without starting wing Danny Green for at least two weeks. Green, who was a starter for the 2018-19 Raptors and 2019-20 Lakers that won championships, strained his right calf 3:45 into Game 3 and wore a protective boot on the bench in street clothes during the second half.

Furkan Korkmaz, who replaced Green and scored 11 of his 14 points in the first quarter and then started the second half, could start in that spot if Rivers wants a shooter to spread the floor. Second-year man Matisse Thybulle would be an option if Rivers is looking more for defense. Rivers on Sunday declined to say which way he’s leaning.

Regardless who it is, Harris will continue to be counted upon heavily by the Sixers.

“I would list him right now as one of my favorite teammates ever,” said veteran backup guard George Hill. “He has a great sense of awareness of how things are going. He’s very open-minded, he listens (and is) just a great guy to be around. I think he’s a big leader for us and we’re going to continue to lean on him as we go through this journey.”

That'd be just fine with Harris.

Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes.com; @TomMoorePhilly

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Tobias Harris stepping up for Philadelphia 76ers in NBA playoffs