NBA 2019 | Ben Simmons puts up big numbers again as 76ers beat Raptors

Ben Simmons has turned in one of his most complete games of the season but one thing missing flew in the face of his coach’s demand.

The sight the NBA wants to see — unless your team is playing the 76ers.

Ben Simmons has ridden his recent hot streak to fall just shy of a triple double against the Toronto Raptors but the Aussie star has rejected a direct demand from his coach Brett Brown.

The shroud that haunted Simmons his entire NBA career appeared to have been lifted when he hit his first triple in his 172nd game against the New York Knicks in late November.

The Philadelphia 76ers star then doubled up his career tally yesterday in a masterclass performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 47-point thrashing.

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Simmons led from the front with a career-high 34 points against Cleveland but it was his shooting from beyond the arc that had the fans frothing for more.

Anyone hoping for a repeat serving were left disappointed as Simmons went back to scoring in the paint, hitting 16 points (eight from 11), 11 rebounds and nine assists in a game-high 39 minutes as to lead the 76ers to a 110-104 win over the Raptors, falling just short of his first triple-double since November 22 and what would have been his second of the year.

But while Simmons has shown he can do it, his new trick has come with greater demands with his coach leading the charge.

Ben Simmons was back in the paint.

Brown, who will lead Simmons and the Australian Boomers in the 2020 Olympic Games, issued a stunning demand for more shots from beyond the arc.

“This is what I want and you can pass it along to his agent, his family and friends — I want a 3-point shot a game, minimum,” Brown said. “The pull-up twos … I’m fine with whatever is open. But I’m interested in the 3-point shot.

“The mentality that he has where he’s turning corners and taking that long step, that gather step, and bringing his shoulders to the rim and trying to dunk or finish tight, will equal higher efficiency, or getting fouled. That’s the world that interests me the most. Those two things.”

Brown did admit however that the hype around Simmons shot was way over the top but having his point guard shooting threes will take the Sixers to the next level.

“The drama of it is overblown,” Brown said. “The reality is he can shoot and it’s ultimately going to need to come into his game in a pronounced way from an attempt standpoint, that’s not overblown.

“I think the drama surrounding it is completely overblown. When I put on my coaching hat and I’m looking at a 23-year-old young man trying to grow his game, it’s completely, first, in his wheelhouse. And, secondly, he will be liberated. His world will open up. And I think, in many ways, so will ours.”

Despite just one three point shot this December, Simmons is in incredible form so far, putting up great numbers for Philadelphia.

Over the 76ers’ four games in December, thus far, Ben Simmons is putting up some really nice averages.

20.3 ppg.
6.8 rpg.
8.8 apg.
76% FG (35/46)
100% 3pt (1/1) 😏https://t.co/JnRXDt7SzL

— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) December 9, 2019

The 23-year-old Simmons, who signed a Supermax deal in the off-season amid the hysteria of his jump shot, has quietly been adding the shot to his arsenal.

Simmons played an almost complete game against the Raptors.

Speaking after the win against the Cavaliers, Simmons admitted he was feeling better from outside the paint.

“I’m getting more comfortable,” Simmons said. “Obviously, throughout time I’m getting more comfortable with the game, and just learning my spots. And just adjusting.”

Fans were quick to jump on Simmons’ seeming disregard for Brown’s comments.

Ben Simmons has NOT attempted a 3 https://t.co/HOV7fFbkhF

— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) December 9, 2019

perhaps he has not spoken to his family or agent.

— Spike Eskin (@SpikeEskin) December 9, 2019

There has been a pretty weird vibe in here for about five games now: As soon as the game is reasonably out of hand, fans are screaming at Ben Simmons to shoot a jump shot. Like, not even when he’s in any position to do so.

— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) December 9, 2019

Simmons didn’t shoot a 3 tonight nor did he attempt any FTs as requested by his coach, sO oBvIoUsLy hE hAtEs bReTt

— Marc Farzetta (@MarcFarzetta) December 9, 2019

The win over the Raptors takes Philadelphia to 17-7 for the season with an impressive home record of 12-0.

Tobias Harris scored 26 points while Matisse Thybulle scored 20 to help the 76ers to the victory, with Joel Embiid having a relatively quiet night with just 10 points to go with his eight rebounds and six assists.

The Raptors’ Kyle Lowry had 26 points of his own while Toronto’s centre Marc Gasol had a scoreless night with just four rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes of action.