Simmons cool despite hype

BEN Simmons was the maestro in his NBA playoffs debut, orchestrating the Philadelphia 76ers’ demolition of the Miami Heat in game one of their firstround series.

The 21-year-old Australian rookie had every right to be nervous but he played like an elite veteran in Saturday’s blowout 130-103 victory before home fans.

He finished just one rebound short of a triple-double with 17 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds as the 76ers pushed a winning streak to 17 games.