76ers' Tobias Harris and father Torrel deal with mixed emotions in playoff series vs. Knicks as Tobias' aunt battles leukemia
Knicks guard Josh Hart and 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) go after the loose ball in the first quarter during Game 1 of their NBA Eastern Conference first-round playoff series Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
The Knicks-76ers first-round playoff series is a family affair for Tobias Harris. His father, Torrel, grew up a Knicks fan, but the Harris family now is cheering for Tobias and the 76ers.
Harris, who starred for Half Hollow Hills West, had 10 points and nine rebounds Monday night in Philadelphia’s 104-101 Game 2 loss. He had seven points and nine rebounds in the 76ers’ 111-104 loss in Game 1.
“For myself personally, watching film and figuring out areas where you think you can be a little more aggressive and try to get some things going,” Harris said before Game 2. “But I’ve always been a player that takes what the game is giving to me.”
There’s also more on his mind than trying to win a series. His aunt, Tia Johnson, is battling leukemia, according to Torrel Harris. The elder Harris added that his oldest sister is fighting for her life and that the family is aware that her time is growing short.
It’s created mixed emotions. There’s pride seeing Tobias in the playoffs, and the family, including Tobias’ five siblings, had to fend off numerous ticket requests for the first two games.
Yet their hearts also are heavy thinking of Johnson’s health.
“You just gotta put it in God’s hands, you know,” Torrel Harris said. “And just believe that if God can create a miracle, we’re hoping for a miracle because that’s what she’s basically going to need at this stage right now.”
These first two games have served as a distraction, reminding the elder Harris how he grew up watching the 1973 Knicks win the NBA championship and later admired Knicks players such as Xavier McDaniel.
He ultimately reconciled those memories with Tobias being a fan of noted Knicks antagonist Michael Jordan. But Harris also was reminded how his son made his own name in New York as the state’s Mr. Basketball and a McDonald’s All-American as a high school senior.
When Harris heard some fans cheer his son being introduced as a starter before Game 1, he smiled. For just over two hours, he and the family could relax and not worry as much about his sister in the hospital.
“It’s tough, but when you walk into Madison Square Garden, the energy and the electricity in the Garden just make you enjoy the occasion,” Harris said. “So the energy level just makes you just get into the game.”
For Tobias, playing near family makes this series mean more than usual. Even with the focus on his aunt’s health, he appreciates what moments like these mean 13 years into his career.
“To be back here for the playoffs is the most important thing, so it’s always a good time, good atmosphere,” Harris said. “It’s the best time to be playing basketball.”
That’s the attitude his family is trying to take. Torrel Harris said it was tough driving to the game and thinking about his sister. After tip-off, however, basketball took his mind off sadness and temporarily replaced it with gratitude during a painful time.
“To be able to go to a game, see a game at Madison Square Garden, just thankful,” Torrel Harris said. “You kinda separate it a little bit the best you can.”
Evan Barnes covers the Nets for Newsday. He previously covered Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
