Tobias Harris got flak in Philadelphia for disappearing in the playoffs. Saturday, he scored big… in one half.
Tobias Harris almost silenced his critics in Game 1 vs. Knicks

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) looks to drive past New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Josh Hart (3) in Game One of the First Round of the NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Harris scored 22 points in the first half of the Detroit Pistons’ series opener against the New York Knicks.

The veteran forward shot 4-of-5 from three-point range and blocked a shot, accounting for 40 percent of his team’s first-half points.

Twenty-two points is more than Harris scored in any full playoff game for the Sixers since Game 4 of their first-round series in 2023.

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He left the 76ers this summer for a two-year, $52M deal with the Pistons, and looked good in his first playoff effort for them.

Until the second half. Harris virtually disappeared as the Pistons blew a fourth-quarter lead in their 123-112 loss.

He took only three shots and scored just three points, a basket and a free throw, while his team was down 13 points in the final minutes.

Twenty-five points is still more than the Pistons expected to get from Harris, but Detroit still needs him for both halves.

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With the Knicks having success playing small lineups Saturday, the Pistons need to take advantage — Harris specifically. Otherwise, their playoffs will end early, just like in Philadelphia.