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Records tumble in ‘remarkable’ Ben Simmons stich-up

BEN Simmons smashed his own points and rebound records against Washington but a “never seen before” ploy flipped his night on its head.

3 min read
November 30, 2017 - 4:53PM
Ben Simmons is heating up.
Ben Simmons is heating up.

BEN Simmons has sensationally been identified as a weakness in the Sixers chain after Washington employed a controversial “hack-a-Simmons” strategy to make a dramatic late comeback in Philly.

Simmons blasted his way to a career-high 31-points and 18-rebounds on the back of being sent to the charity stripe an incredible 29-times with a concerning record of 15 from 29 at just 51.7 per cent.

He was targeted by the Wizards down the stretch when the visitors used the Australian’s reputation as a poor free-throw shooter to flip the contest on its head.

In the last quarter alone, Simmons was fouled 12 times and took 24 free throws — another NBA record.

Despite trailing by 17 points in the last quarter, the Wizards began hacking Simmons to force him to the charity stripe where he continued to struggle.

Simmons was continually fouled even off the ball. The Wizards’ strategy attracted boo’s from the local Philly crowd.

It prompted questions coach Brett Brown should have to benched Simmons as Washington closed to within three points in a game that sparked to life after a one-sided first half.

“It’s got ugly,” a CBS commentator said.

“A totally unexpected turn of events. It’s remarkable.”

Washington threatened to steal the game late, but Philadelphia held on to win a thriller 118-113.

Simmons sensationally became the first rookie in Sixers franchise history to score 31 points and grab 18 rebounds, but his form at the stripe overshadowed his record-breaking performance.

He also became the first NBA rookie since Blake Griffin in 2011 to put up 30 or more points and 18 or more boards in a game.

When asked after the game what was going through his mind as the Wizards employed their controversial strategy, Simmons replied: “Just make the free throws. That’s about it. It doesn’t really phase me”.

He said in the Sixers dressing room, free-throw shooting won’t be his weakness much longer.

Aussie coach Brown defended his decision to leave Simmons on the court as the Wizards closed in, saying the controversial fouling strategy is just something his star point guard will have to get used to.

“It’s going to be part of his evolution,” Brown said.

“He’s going to have a long career. He’s going to have to learn to navigate through this.”

Other NBA commentators were not as understanding of Washington’s ploy.

Simmons earlier completed a first half double-double in Philadelphia’s blitz of Washington at the Wells Fargo Centre.

The Australian had a red-hot start to the game to put up seven points and six rebounds during an eight minute stretch in the first quarter.

Simmons continued to lead his team at the offensive end during the first half and completed a double-double with more than a minute to go before half time.

His effort of 11 points and 11 rebounds at the half is his 12th double-double this season.

He got his first assist of the game in the last minute of the half with a sweet dish to teammate Joel Embiid (13 points at half time) on the fast break.

The Sixers led 58-40 at the half time break.

The 21-year-old reached a new career milestone early in the third quarter when he grabbed his 15th rebound — his best effort on the glass in his NBA career.

He was benched near the end of the third quarter, taking a seat with 17 points and 16 rebounds from 33 minutes.

The Sixers mauling of a lacklustre Wizards — playing without star guard John Wall — continued in the third quarter to give them a 17-point buffer heading into the last quarter.

But then the controversial tactic to target Simmons changed everything.

Simons was cleared to play for the Sixers, despite taking an early night after injuring his ankle during Philadelphia’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday (AEDT).

Originally published as Records tumble in ‘remarkable’ Ben Simmons stich-up

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/more-sports/ben-simmons-completes-first-half-doubledouble-against-washington/news-story/5c478b55f2e535e5d730d6df7af65530