Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons sinks rare three-pointer against Orlando Magic

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Ben Simmons has finished his 2020 on a high, sinking a rare three-pointer on New Year’s Eve.

Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Australian basketballer Ben Simmons has finished 2020 on a high, sinking a rare three-pointer against the Orlando Magic on New Year’s Eve.

Simmons managed the feat eight minutes into the fourth quarter, nailing the corner shot and sending social media into a frenzy.

Before Friday’s fixture in Florida, the 24-year-old had only scored two three-pointers from 24 attempts during his NBA career.

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The two-time NBA All-Star’s previous three-pointer was against the Cleveland Cavaliers in December 2019.

Ben Simmons three pointer to end 2020. Poetic. @thisleague pic.twitter.com/L7zyNna2Ej

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 31, 2020

“Those are shots I work on, corner threes,” Simons told reporters after the Philadelphia 76s secured a comfortable 116-92 victory.

“I feel comfortable taking it, so I knocked it down.”

Simmons rarely attempts to shoot from behind the arc, so his three-pointer against Orlando prompted a strong reaction from basketball fans, who for years have questioned whether the Aussie was capable of sinking threes.

Ben Simmons just hit a three to let us all know that 2021 is going to be ok

— Jonny Loquasto (@JQuasto) January 1, 2021

BEN SIMMONS HIT A 3 BEN SIMMONS HIT A 3!

LEAGUE DONE FOR

— Ian Wyatt (@Enable) December 31, 2020

Ben Simmons 3 so we can end the year on a high note!

— Alexa Ross (@AlexaRossTV) December 31, 2020

Ben Simmons buried a corner 3 and this place went crazy for him!

— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) December 31, 2020

Simmons finished the game with nine points, ten rebounds and eight assists.

Sixers powerhouse Joel Embiid and newcomer Seth Curry scored a game-high 21 points each, while forward Tobias Harris also contributed 20 points.

“I’ve seen (Simmons) make it in practice, and I know he can knock it down,” Curry said, as reported by Sixers Wire.

“Especially from the corner, so it’s just a matter of him doing it in a game and stepping into it with confidence. It didn’t look like there was too much hesitation on the shot and I expected it to go in, to be honest.”

Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on December 31, 2020 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

READ MORE: Internet roasts NBA star

Meanwhile, Montenegrin star Nikola Vucevic mustered a team-high 19 points for the Magic to go with his ten rebounds.

The Sixers now boast a 4-1 record in the 2020/21 season, and currently sit in top spot on the Eastern Conference ladder.

For their next fixture, Philadelphia will host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday AEDT.