Ben Simmons fourth quarter explosion as Embiid 76ers partnership pays off against Celtics

Ben Simmons has erupted in a fourth quarter onslaught to down the Celtics in the clearest sign yet that the 76ers plan may work.

Defence is still Simmons’ bread and butter.

The Philadelphia 76ers are flying high at the top of the Eastern Conference but Aussie Ben Simmons hasn’t been able to avoid criticism of his lower offensive output this season.

Fans are at pains to point out his lower output in 2020/21 as he averages 12.2 points compared to a career average of 16.1.

Watch Live coverage every week of the NBA Regular Season with ESPN on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >

But after adding perimeter shooters due to Simmons’ reluctance to shoot, he has matched his assist average with eight per game and upped his average rebounds to 9.2 as he focuses more on his defence.

While some believe the Aussie, who was first-team All-Defence in 2019/20, could be a defensive player of the year candidate, Simmons reminded the NBA that he can cook when he wants.

After going for four points on three shots in the first three quarters, Simmons added 11 points in the final quarter as the Sixers claimed a 122-110 win over the Boston Celtics.

Ben had one dunk in the first quarter, and nothing in the second.

While 11 points isn’t as ludicrous as some NBA stars can get, especially in a game where Joel Embiid hit 38 points and 11 rebounds, and the Celtics’ Jaylen Brown scored 42 in 36 minutes on the floor, there were some good signs for the 76ers.

One of the biggest problems with the team has been the chemistry between Simmons and Embiid, with the Aussie even reportedly told to pack his bags for Houston before the James Harden trade was finalised.

Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers told reporter that it was Embiid who called for the side to keep Simmons rolling.

Rivers said that when Simmons got going down the stretch, it was actually Embiid who advocated to for the team to run more pick-and-rolls to keep Ben rolling

— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) January 23, 2021

But he added Simmons is doing the one percenters that make up a win.

“He was already playing great and that’s the point I’m trying to make everybody,” said the coach. “He’s doing so many things for this team. His winning formula is amazing and all the things. Last game, he got no credit. He was so important to why we won that game with all the things he’s doing. The little cuts, the little back picks, the rolls, and passes Ben does a lot. He can’t focus on one thing like focus on him just scoring. He’s too good for that to me.”

It appears to finally be working with MVP candidate Joel Embiid.

Simmons was seemingly pumped after the game and shared that he doesn’t take any notice of what social media or pundits say about him.

“It’s a new season,” Simmons said. “I’m just focusing on winning, do what I can to win with this thing. I don’t go on Instagram, I don’t go on Twitter so I can’t really answer the question in terms of what people are saying. I don’t give a f***, honestly.

“Unless Doc says something or Sam or people coming to me, then it’s a different story. I’m trying to win games and that’s why we’re all here. To win.”

He also said: “I love being the guy to make plays. I’m confident in my ability to do that late in the game. I’m not worried what time of the game it is, but my team needed me tonight to do that. I’m glad I was able to do that.”

The 76ers are now 8-0 when the top starting line-up is on the floor as social media continues to rave about his growing partnership with Embiid.

Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons seem to have better on-court chemistry this year. Its resulting in wins early, hopefully they can sustain it.

Also, I liked aggressive Ben in the 4th tonight. They will need that switch up at times, for the Sixers to really reach their title potential

— Seth Lewis (@SethLewisInc) January 23, 2021

Ben Simmons average 16/8/8 FOR LIFE and folk still not satisfied lol

— SUPER SIZE (@GrandeMarshall) January 23, 2021

My favorite Sixers fact is that Ben Simmons has still never lost to Kemba Walker in his career.

It’s a strange NBA season for sure, but Philly has a lot going well for them right now, and have been a much more pleasant watch. Also might have the MVP if he keeps it up.

— Chris Lewis (@ChrisLewisTweet) January 23, 2021

Ben Simmons closing out games? Embiid stepbacks from three? super deep bench? pic.twitter.com/tH38sd7nyE

— maurice (@tallmaurice) January 23, 2021