Bad back benches Simmons

BEN Simmons rested his troublesome back while Blake Griffin’s career-high 50 points propelled the Detroit Pistons to a dramatic 133-132 overtime victory over the 76ers yesterday.

Simmons watched on as Griffin ran rampant before landing the decisive free throw after being fouled when driving to the hoop with 1.8 seconds remaining. JJ Redick’s four-point play with 5.6 seconds left in overtime set up Griffin’s dramatics, while Joel Embiid, who had 33 points and 11 rebounds, missed a potential gamewinner at the buzzer.

Griffin, whose previous career best was 47 points, made 20 of 35 fieldgoal attempts and five of 11 freethrows. He added 14 rebounds and six assists. He racked up 28 points in the first half despite missing his first six free-throw attempts.

Reggie Jackson also supplied 23 points while Ish Smith tossed in 21 off the bench and Reggie Bullock added 17 for Detroit. The Pistons are now 3-0 for the first time since 2015-16, the last time they made the playoffs.

Philadelphia coach Brett Brown revealed Simmons could also miss the 76ers’ next assignment at Milwaukee today as he continues to manage back tightness. The issue flared when the Australian had to leave Sunday’s game against Orlando in the first quarter.

“He didn’t feel as comfortable as we would’ve wanted,” Brown said of Simmons. “It’s one of the things that happen with a back-to-back game.”

The 76ers will be keen to have Simmons involved against the Bucks given Milwaukee has won its first three matches and averaged 118.3 points per game.