SIMMONS STEALS THE SHOW IN SIXERS’ WIN
BASKETBALL: Three huge defensive plays from Ben Simmons in the final 14 seconds played a significant role in Philadelphia 76ers maintaining their unbeaten home record this NBA season.
The Australian ace pulled off three of his four steals against Indiana Pacers in the dying moments as the 76ers closed out an exciting 119-116 victory.
Simmons was a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line to finish the game with 15 points, 13 assists and six rebounds.
Although he managed to hit just four of his three shots from the field, Simmons’ defensive display was first-class throughout and he highlighted that with his clutch plays with the game on the line.
“I love playing defence. It’s such a priority for me, especially being a part of the Sixers. I’m in Philadelphia and guys want to see you play hard,” Simmons said.
The Sixers (14-6) are one of only four teams with a perfect record at home and Simmons had a simple reason why they are now 9-0 at Wells Fargo Center. “The fans ... we don’t want to lose in front of them. We are scared to lose in front of them,” he said.
Joel Embiid had 32 points and 11 rebounds, hitting all 15 of his free throws, for his 12th double-double of the campaign while Tobias Harris scored 22 points for Philadelphia, who made it three-in-a-row.
Trailing 114-113, Simmons stole the ball and set up a driving Harris for a dunk with 9.9 seconds remaining as the Sixers went back ahead 115-114. Simmons stole the ball again on the Pacers’ next possession that led to Harris being fouled and making both free throws to give the Sixers a 117-114 cushion with 5.1 seconds left.