‘ Beast’ Simmons notches a playoff triple- double
THE praise is flying for Australia’s Ben Simmons after he became the first NBA rookie since Magic Johnson in 1980 to record a triple- double in the league’s playoffs.
Simmons scored 17 points to go with 13 rebounds and 10 assists in Philadelphia’s 106- 102 win over Miami Heat yesterday, as the 76ers took a 3- 1 lead in the best- of- seven, firstround playoff series.
“He was a monster,” Philadelphia centre Joel Embiid said of Simmons. “I think that’s the first time the sixers had a triple double ( in the playoffs) since Charles Barkley ( in 1991). So that’s big time, he was a beast tonight.”
JJ Redick, who scored a team- high 24 points for the 76ers in game four, says he’s seeing a different Simmons in the playoffs.
“It’s almost become expected now that he’s got to go average a triple- double,” Redick said.
“He’s very tough physically but he’s even tougher, I think, mentally. The last four games have been as vocal and as demonstrative as I’ve seen him all season. He’s been fantastic. He’s coming out of his shell in regards to leadership and that’s huge for us.”
Philadelphia coach Brett Brown says having the 21- yearold Simmons and 24- year- old Embiid at his disposal is a special situation.
“I think Ben’s composure down the stretch, and I didn’t take him out, and he’s one of these rare athletes that rarely do I say ‘ Oh Ben Simmons is tired’, he doesn’t seem to fatigue blatantly,” Brown said.
“I’m told he’s the first rookie since Earvin Magic Johnson to post a playoff triple- double and I think that there’s greatness in both of those two players ( Simmons and Embiid).”
For Simmons, another staring performance seemed to be par for the course. “I think it just means I’m doing my job,” Simmons said.
“As long as we’re winning I’m happy, so all those accolades will come if we’re all doing the right thing.”