‘I’m the best’: Ben Simmons’ bold claim after victory over Dallas Mavericks

Australian basketballer Ben Simmons has made a bold assertion about his defending two days after being named an NBA All-Star.

Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Australian basketballer Ben Simmons has boldly labelled himself the best defender in the NBA after Friday’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

The Philadelphia 76ers secured a comfortable 111-97 win over the Mavericks to improve their season record to 22-11.

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 >

Just two days after becoming a three-time NBA All-Star, Simmons finished the contest with 15 points, seven assists and three rebounds.

The 24-year-old targeted Dallas superstar Luca Doncic throughout the match, restricting his rival to just 19 points and four assists.

Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers guard Luka Doncic.

“If you can hoop, you can hoop,” Simmons said after the victory.

“Defensively, I feel like that’s just effort. I do feel like I’m the best defensive player in the league. I can guard 1 through 5.”

Philadelphia teammate Dwight Howard echoed his comments: “I believe he’s the best defensive player in the league right now … the sky is the limit for Ben.”

Averaging 15.7 points this season, Simmons has emerged as a genuine contender for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year.

However, the Melbourne-born guard doesn’t have a jump shot and struggles to fire from range, which are must-have qualities according to some experts and fans.

Ben Simmons best defender in league.

— VERNON L. NORWOOD (@Vernon400m) February 26, 2021

I have not seen anyone play Luka better than Ben Simmons is playing him tonight.

— Josh Eberley🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) February 26, 2021

Meanwhile, Joel Embiid scored 23 points and pulled down nine rebounds as the 76ers took advantage of a rare off night by Doncic.

Embiid shot five of 20 from the field but made 11 of 12 free throws, while Seth Curry contributed 15 points for the Sixers, who improved to 14-2 at home.

Dwight Howard had 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench for the Sixers, and Shake Milton chipped in with 10 points in the rout.

Doncic, who was coming off his best performance of the season in a thrilling win over Boston on Tuesday, was just three of nine from the floor at the half.

The Slovenian also missed his first three shots of the game and had five of Dallas’ 14 turnovers in the first half.

“I’m just trying to play my game,” Doncic said. “Sometimes I’m going to play better, sometimes worse.”

The 76ers will next host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday AEDT.

— with AFP and NCA NewsWire