PHILADELPHIA — The Sixers closed out 2022 with a win over the Thunder and while Joel Embiid notched his 5th career triple-double, Tobias Harris‘ contributions were an underrated storyline in the contest.
“It was big for us. It set the tone,” Doc Rivers said of Harris’ start to the game where the forward made his first seven shots.
The team had lost its previous two contests and without James Harden and Tyrese Maxey in the lineup for the New Year’s eve duel, the players suiting up knew they had to step up.
“We knew we were missing guys so I think our guys had the proper amount of fear going into this game,” Rivers continued. “That’s a good thing.”
Harris had 23 points against the Thunder, marking the 12th time this season that he’s scored at least 20 points in a game. Harris is rebounding from a down 2021-22 year where he struggled with efficiency. His true shooting percentage has reached a career-high (60.2%) and in games like Saturday’s vs. the Thunder, he’s proving that he can be a real asset again for a Sixers team with high aspirations.
Sixers Injury Updates
- Both Harden and Maxey are expected back in the lineup on Monday night vs. the Pelicans.
- Embiid is questionable with lower back soreness.
Trade Watch
Could Eric Gordon be the next former Rockets player to join the Sixers?
Speculation about Philadelphia acquiring Gordon has persisted since last season and it sounds like the veteran guard is ready to leave Houston. Gordon told the local media that the young Rockets haven’t improved at all since the beginning of the season when asked about it over the weekend.
“Same old thing all year. We have a small margin for error,” Gordon said. “It’s a lot of things. It’s mindset. You got to play for one another. Do what’s right by your teammates. If you do that, it’d be more fun. You give yourself a better chance to win.”
That doesn’t sound like a guy who’s planning to continue to be a veteran mentor to a lottery-bound team much longer.
The easiest way for the Sixers to bring Gordon’s $19.5 million salary in would be in a larger trade for Harris, however. That kind of deal would likely involve a third team, one that would be a more logical fit for Harris, who will turn 31 before playing out the final season of his contract next year.
