Tobias Harris’ Game 7 lifts Pistons; veteranship, playoff lessons headline Detroit’s advance
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DETROIT — Forward Tobias Harris reminded the league of his value Sunday, scoring 30 points to close out the Orlando Magic and push the Detroit Pistons into the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 33-year-old, who will become a free agent this summer, averaged 21.6 points and 8.1 rebounds during the first-round series.
“Nobody can say (bleep) to me about Tobias Harris,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after the victory. “He is dependable, reliable, prepared for the moment. He’s a leader, a great teammate, a great human being. … To show up tonight and do what he did when it was on the line the most is exceptional.”
Teammates lean on Harris’ experience
Center Jalen Duren called Harris “the ultimate vet,” noting the forward’s extensive playoff résumé. “He’s a guy we can go to when we need a bucket,” Duren said. “He’s been that for us all season, so it’s nothing new.”
Harris believes the grueling seven-game set will help Detroit in the next round. “Every series we learn,” he said. “Playoffs will put your team in a bunch of things you’re good at and things you have to get better at. We did a great job adjusting and figuring out ways to win.”
Duren posts series-best performance
Duren, headed for restricted free agency this offseason, delivered 15 points and 15 rebounds in Game 7 while anchoring the defense. “In our locker room we know who we are,” he said. “We feel like when our back is against the wall … it’s time to keep swinging.”
Cunningham excels despite recent injury
Guard Cade Cunningham averaged 32.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists against Orlando after returning from a collapsed lung suffered late in the regular season. He credited the Magic for testing Detroit’s resolve. “They pushed us, really made us take a look in the mirror,” Cunningham said. “This series is going to set us up for our next series. We’ll be a lot better for it.”
Detroit opens the conference semifinals against Cleveland later this week.
Source: HoopsRumors
