NBA | Ben Simmons flops in Sixers’ loss to Raptors

BEN Simmons has flopped to a new low in a disappointing performance which saw the Sixers extend an ugly NBA streak.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 18: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on in the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center on October 18, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bulls 127-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

BEN Simmons stunned the NBA with what many pundits are calling the worst game in his basketball career, racking up a mind-boggling 11 turnovers against Toronto.

The Philadelphia star fell just three turnovers shy of Jason Kidd’s all-time record of 14 as the 76ers slumped to a 129-112 throbbing to the Raptors.

The loss continued Philly’s ugly 0-4 streak away from home.

In his favour, the Melbourne-born Simmons narrowly missed a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. But it wasn’t enough to keep disappointed fans at bay as they tore into the 22-year-old on social media.

Raptors gun Leonard returned after sitting out the Raptors’ Monday’s loss at Milwaukee, the second time this season he has been rested in one half of a back-to-back. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year was limited to nine games with San Antonio last season because of a quadriceps injury.

Instant observations from tonight's #Sixers vs. Raptors game — Ben Simmons had the worst game of his career, and that was enough to sink them https://t.co/mXbiEWxaDv

— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) October 31, 2018

11 turnovers for Ben Simmons. An absolutely unacceptable performance.

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 31, 2018

Kawhi just ate Ben Simmons’ lunch.

— Kevin Rashidi (@KevinRashidi) October 31, 2018

Ben Simmons has been dreadful tonight. Pressing of late, trying to force it. And of course, won’t shoot, which would open up his entire offensive game

— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) October 31, 2018

BL🚫CKA pic.twitter.com/5jBrzJOKcN

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 30, 2018

Leonard has scored at least 20 in all six games he’s played this season. He shot 10-for-19 against Philadelphia and went 9-for-10 at the free throw line. Embiid cut the deficit to six, 117-111, on a 3-pointer with 3:29 remaining. After a timeout, Toronto responded with a 7-0 run that was capped by a 3 from Leonard with 1:56 left.

Toronto’s home winning streak against the Sixers is the second-longest against a single opponent in franchise history, eclipsedonly by an active 15-game streak against Minnesota.

Valanciunas scored eight points in the first quarter as Toronto led 35-36 after one, and then added seven more in the secondto put the Raptors up 67-53 at halftime.

Leonard scored 11 points in the third and Ibaka had eight as Toronto pulled away, taking a 105-86 lead into the final quarter.

The Sixers fired back in the fourth but the Raptors had already bashed in the final nails to claim a comfortable victory.

SIMMONS LOCKS IN BIG PAYDAY: REPORT

We’re in the money.

Aussie Ben Simmons has scored an $11.5 million payday with the 76ers, according to reports.

Philadelphia has made its decision to exercise it’s option to activate the fourth season of Simmons’ rookie contract — signed after he was selected with the No. 1 pick at the 2016 NBA Draft.

The Sixers’ decision, yet to be confirmed by the team, locks the 22-year-old in through to the end of the 2019-2020 season.

The decision also guarantees Simmons a significant pay rise and a reported salary for next season worth $11.48 million ($US8.1m).

It represents a pay rise of $US1.7 million on the $6.4 million he is earning this season.

— with AP