Tobias Harris leads 76ers to narrow win over Wizards: 3 takeaways

The Philadelphia 76ers had to fight for a Game 1 victory over Washington. Tobias Harris proved his worth, but so did the upset-minded Wizards.

Game 1 in Philadelphia was action-packed as the No. 1 seed 76ers battled the play-in tested Wizards.

When a game between top and bottom seeds comes down to the final minutes, it’s always a fun time.

What did we learn as Washington tested Philadelphia?

Philadelphia 76ers beat Washington Wizards in Game 1: 3 takeaways

3. The Wizards won’t go down without a fight

If you’re a Wizards fan, you can come out of this game feeling okay. Washington pushed Philadelphia the whole way, losing by single digits on a night when they had 15 turnovers.

Bradley Beal was as expected with 33 points, but he went 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. He can do better.

Russell Westbrook didn’t even go off. While he facilitated with14 assists, he only had 16 points. He also had six turnovers. That won’t be his best game of the series either.

2. Ben Simmons joins rare company

Ben Simmons still can’t score, but he does everything else ridiculously well.

The 76ers point guard had a delicious stat line of 15 rebounds, 15 assists, a steal and a block. His six points were the only unimpressive part of the outing.

Simmons did something only one other Philadelphia player has managed in a playoff game: He had 15 rebound and 15 assists to match Wilt Chamberlain. In the last 30 years, only Simmons and Allen Iverson have had at least 15 assists in a playoff game for the team.

1. A hot Tobias Harris will be tough to beat

Everyone knows Joel Embiid is the star of the show for the 76ers, but Tobias Harris can make the difference when things get tight.

Harris came through with 37 points to lead all scorers. He hit 15-of-29 shots from the field and pitched in six rebounds, two assists and two steals. He came out absolutely on fire with 28 points in the first half alone. If not for his scoring, Philadelphia would have been in danger of falling further behind before the break than just one point.

The 76ers need Embiid to be the man in the NBA Playoffs, but it’s Harris who will determine just how far they go.