The Philadelphia 76ers were always going to be able to assert themselves in their first-round series by using the Washington Wizards’ lack of size and three-guard lineups against them. In Game 1, as the Sixers won, 125-118, that’s exactly what they did. Joel Embiid scored 30 point despite being limited to 30 minutes after early foul trouble, while Tobias Harris was the main beneficiary.
After having a hard time in his playoff career with the Sixers so far, Harris kicked off this postseason in spectacular fashion. He scored a playoff career-high 37 points (with 28 in the first half) on 15-of-29 shooting, hurting the Wizards’ defense with pick-and-rolls, sharp cuts, post-ups, strong drives, a pair of three-pointers, and 5 free throws.