Philadelphia 76ers fall to Boston Celtics in NBA opener, despite star showing from Aussie Ben Simmons

THE complete Ben Simmons repertoire was on display against Aron Baynes’ Boston as Australia’s premier basketball export tipped off the NBA season with a bit of everything — except a victory.

Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons produced a stunning opening day performance — but couldn’t prevent a blowout loss to Boston. Picture: Getty

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THE complete Ben Simmons repertoire was on display as Australia’s premier basketball export tipped off the NBA season with a bit of everything — except a victory.

Proving there would be no second-year syndrome, the reigning rookie of the year proved he would be a force to be reckoned with after posting 19 points and 15 rebounds while also finishing with eight assists, four steals and two blocks in an all-round performance.

But his Philadelphia 76ers ran into a familiar problem, the Boston Celtics, who ran out 105-87 victors at the famed TD Garden.

And it was fellow Australian Aron Baynes who earned plaudits from NBA legend Charles Barkley for his performance in the star-studded Celtics line-up.

Ben Simmons shoots the ball on the opening night for the 76ers. Picture: Getty Images

Simmons recorded the 39th double-double of his short career, making a statement that should have Australian fans chomping at the bit to see just how good this 22-year-old point guard can be.

“And he’s only going to keep improving. It’s going to be fun to watch,” Celtics’ Australian big man Baynes told The Daily Telegraph after the game.

“He’s great. Everyone is talking about him and it’s a great thing for Australian basketball.”

Baynes is also proving a valuable asset in Boston as the eastern conference favourites look to take the next step to the NBA finals.

New Zealand-born, Queensland-raised Baynes showed off his impressive skill set – which recently netted him a two-year, $US11 million contract extension – nailing two three-pointers and dishing a cheeky bounce pass assist to an Irving bucket.

BEN SIMMONS. FILTHY. pic.twitter.com/KW8jfnN0dP

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 17, 2018

While he finished with eight points, four rebounds and three assists, the Boston crowd favourite defended with a physicality learned from 15 years of playing junior rugby league in Queensland as he guarded 76ers centre Joel Embiid.

“They have to play Aron Baynes more,” Barkley, an 11-time NBA All-Star and analyst on America’s TNT TV network, said.

“That is my takeaway. He does all of the dirty work.”

Baynes also matched up on Simmons at times and relished the challenge.

“Yeah definitely enjoyed it; it’s nothing I shy away from,” Baynes said.

Ben Simmons finds open space! 💥#HereTheyCome #KiaTipOff18

📺: @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/I3GqvPdUtw

— NBA (@NBA) October 17, 2018

“The more the merrier … I’m all for it.”

Embiid had 23 points and 10 rebounds but despite the work of the Cameroon centre and Simmons, the 76ers again came up short against the Celtics, who eliminated them from the second round of last season’s playoffs.

Embiid made it clear afterwards the 76ers have a way to go to be on the Celtics’ level.

“This not a rivalry,” he said. “I don’t know our record against them. But it’s pretty bad. They always kick our ass. So this is not a rivalry.”

Aron Baynes (L) puts the pressure on fellow Australian Ben Simmons. Picture: AFP

Simmons’ highlight reel included no-look, behind-the-back and between-the-leg passes, slashes to the basket, dunks and a jump hook shot.

“It was all right. I think it was a good start for us,” Simmons said.

“It just takes time. I think we just have to get the rust off.”

With added shooting responsibilities, Simmons made seven of 14 from the field, but just five of 11 free throws.

“I saw signs of incredible athleticism and confidence to attempt jump shots,” Brown said of Simmons.

“I think Ben was like all of us tonight; just a little up and down.”

Fellow Australian Jonah Bolden made his NBA debut for the 76ers, playing the final 90 seconds of the loss as he looks to continue his progress.

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