Tobias Harris questions Knicks’ toughness, forgets he turned into a ghost against New York with the 76ers last year

In a move so on-brand it could be trademarked, Tobias Harris — yes, that Tobias Harris — took a moment Thursday morning to throw subtle shade at the New York Knicks ahead of Game 3.

The former Sixer turned Pistons veteran all but implied the Knicks are softer this year, saying with a smirk, “It’s a different dynamic, for sure… that’s all I’m gonna say. It’s part of our gameplan.”

Translation: We’re tougher. They’re not. Let’s move on.

Now look, this would carry a little more weight if it didn’t come from the same guy who vanished into the basketball ether when the Sixers played the Knicks in last year’s playoffs.

Tobias Harris averaged 9.0 points over six games, shot 43% from the field, and put up a donut in Game 6 while playing 29 minutes. He attempted two — two — shots that night. He might as well have worn an invisibility cloak.

But this is how it goes with former Sixers. You leave Philly, you get a new haircut, start journaling, rediscover your confidence, and suddenly you’re a veteran presence on a team like the Pistons.

To his credit, Harris is actually hooping now. He dropped 25 points in Game 1 on 8-of-13 shooting with four threes, then followed it up with a 15-point, 13-rebound effort in Game 2. The Pistons are 1-1 heading home after nearly stealing both games at MSG — and would’ve done it too if not for that absurd 21-0 Knicks run to end Game 1.

So yeah, maybe Tobias Harris has a right to chirp a little. But don’t think the Knicks didn’t hear it. This is classic bulletin board material. You question a team’s toughness — especially a Tom Thibodeau-coached team — and they’re gonna come out swinging. Don’t be surprised if Harris gets elbowed in the ribs and told to remember his 0-point night from last year.

Game 3 tips off in Detroit Thursday night. Expect a hostile crowd. Expect some extra shoving. And expect the Knicks to test if Harris can talk and walk at the same time.

Philly fans have seen that movie before.

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