Vocal Simmons leads the 76ers to extend streak to 10
BEN Simmons has maintained his electric form with a masterclass to lift the Philadelphia 76ers past the Charlotte Hornets for a 10th successive NBA victory.
Simmons chalked up 20 points, 15 assists, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks to help the 76ers to a 119-102 win and improved their record to 46-30.
The Sixers’ first 10-game win streak since 2000-01 consolidated fourth spot in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia was playing without Joel Embiid (eye) and Dario Saric (elbow) but Simmons was spectacular.
Early in the first quarter, he inbounded the ball to himself off Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s back and scored.
His game also included a reverse slam, a lobbed inbound pass to Robert Covington for a jam and then an alley-oop from T.J. McConnell for another dunk.
“I think his growth is certainly expedited when he looks over and our All-Star isn’t there, and Dario,” Sixers head coach Brett Brown said.
“Ben, all over the place, his presence, his disposition, and lately even more his voice, I think reeks of leadership.
“The combination of just some body language, using his voice, getting us organised offensively, picking apart a gym with assists — elite stuff.”
Patty Mills had 14 points, five rebounds and four assists as the San Antonio Spurs won 100-83, keeping the leagueleading Houston Rockets to their lowest score this season.
Utah Jazz overcame the Minnesota Timberwolves 12197 as Dante Exum’s promising return from injury continued with 14 points and five assists in 17 minutes while Joe Ingles dished out nine assists.
LeBron James struggled with his shooting before extending his record doubledigit scoring streak to 868 games in a 16-point tripledouble for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 98-87 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Kevin Durant had 29 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists top lead the Golden State Warriors to a 117-107 win over the Phoenix Suns.
Portland Trail Blazers are poised to clinch third in the west after a 113-98 win over the lowly Memphis Grizzlies.
Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo scored 30 points and 12 assists in a 111104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Russell Westbrook had a tripledouble, including 26 points, as the Oklahoma City Thunder held on for a 109-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.