Tobias Harris, 76ers Beat Russell Westbrook, Thunder Without Injured Paul George
Tobias Harris had 32 points and Ben Simmons posted an 11-point, 13-rebound, 11-assist triple-double as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-104 on Thursday at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.
Jimmy Butler nearly had a triple-double himself with 20 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the 40-22 76ers, who have won four of five.
Russell Westbrook posted a 23-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double for the 38-23 Thunder, who have lost three straight.
Philadelphia was without All-Star center Joel Embiid, who sat for his fourth consecutive game with a sore left knee. Oklahoma City did not have All-Star forward Paul George, who was out with a sore right shoulder.
Tobias Harris Proving He Deserves Max from Sixers
Harris, who shot 11-of-19, is averaging 21.9 points on 55.1 percent shooting for the 76ers since the Los Angeles Clippers traded him to Philadelphia on Feb. 6.
Philadelphia is 6-2 with Harris, and that's even though Embiid missed four of those games.
The 26-year-old forward is the missing piece the 76ers needed to win the Eastern Conference, and he's proved in a short period that he deserves a max deal from the 76ers.
Harris has always been a good complementary scorer as he's traversed through the league on five teams.
He's never found a more permanent home, but that should change. Simply put, Harris is one of the game's most improved players—one capable of putting a team on his back.
He did so Thursday despite playing in front of a raucous OKC crowd, as the former Tennessee Volunteer went on a personal 8-0 run late in the fourth quarter to turn a 93-all tie into a 101-93 lead.
The hot streak could not have come at a better time, as the Thunder had rolled all the way back from a 14-point deficit earlier in the second half.
Two of those shots were particularly impressive given the circumstances.
First, he pulled off a quick corner three-pointer even though the shot clock was running out and Thunder guard Terrance Ferguson was flying at him:
After another bucket put the 76ers up five, Harris needed to hit a three over 7-footer Steven Adams and did so:
Harris' efficiency and consistency has been remarkable. He has shot less than 50 percent from the field just one time in a game since the deal, and he's also shot 42.9 percent or better from three-point range in six of eight games.
A few Philadelphia reporters see a bright future for Harris in the city, including Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Jon Johnson of SportsRadio 94WIP and KYW Newsradio:
Sixers Stats also noted how Harris is enjoying his career scoring peak:
But the most noteworthy takeaway is how well Harris has done in such a short period in new surroundings. He was thrust into the spotlight immediately for a team that is not only in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race but is also one of the NBA's most heavily scrutinized teams for various reasons. And he's had to pick up more of the scoring slack with Embiid out.
None of this seems to bother Harris. Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice and Michael Kaskey of 247Sports pointed out how well Harris has adjusted:
Michael Gallagher of Rotoworld happened to point out Harris' transitioning skills when he was dealt to the Clippers last season:
Harris shouldn't have to utilize those skills again if Philadelphia makes the right move, however. He's a rising star and receiving accolades from other NBA players, including one of the game's best point guards:
We'll see what the future holds for Harris, but for now, he could be a catalyst in the 76ers' first NBA Finals appearance since 2001.
What's Next?
Both teams play Saturday. The 76ers will host the Golden State Warriors, and the Thunder will visit the San Antonio Spurs.
