Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid put on a clinic as the 76ers destroy outclassed Melbourne United

MELBOURNE United hoped to ambush the Philadelphia 76ers — as they did against fellow NBA playoff team Oklahoma City Thunder last year. But the 76ers’ Ben Simmons had other ideas.

Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons, left, of Australia, knocks away the shot by Melbourne United's David Barlow, right, also of Australia, during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

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MELBOURNE United planned to ambush their NBA rivals but Philadelphia’s Australian star Ben Simmons shattered any Rocky-style success story.

Inspired by Melbourne-born Simmons, the Sixers surged to a comprehensive 104-84 pre-season victory over a gallant United.

The reigning Rookie of the Year expertly controlled proceedings with his pinpoint passing as he finished with a game-high 14 assists while he added eight points and eight rebounds in 26 minutes on the court.

Simmons is aiming to get to the free throw line more and make an NBA All-Defensive team this season.

Melbourne’s Craig Moller grabs a rebound from Ben Simmons. Picture: Getty

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“That is what I’m working towards and every day I’m in the gym, trying to get better,” Simmons said post-game.

“It is going to take a while to get to where I really want to be, but that’s how long greatness takes.”

Sixers big man Joel Embiid topscored with 20 points and 10 rebounds in a powerful 23-minute stint.

Guard Markelle Fultz added 14 points while power forward Dario Saric had 12.

Melbourne may have been beaten by 20 points but they were far from disgraced.

United stayed within 10 points of Philadelphia for most of the game until the Sixers surged in the fourth quarter to claim a comfortable win.

Melbourne skipper Chris Goulding starred for Melbourne with 13 points before limping off late in the first half with a left ankle injury after copping a hit from Embiid.

Chris Goulding (L) guards Markelle Fultz, but finished the game with his foot in an ice bucket. Picture: AFP

The All-Star centre blocked Goulding and cleaned him up in the process. The Boomers sharpshooter didn’t return in the second half.

Goulding finished the game with his ankle in a bucket of ice but he remained hopeful of taking on the Toronto Raptors in October 6 (EST).

“I’ve spoken to the physio and I’ve had a similar problem before and it is usually not that much of a turnaround,” Goulding said.

“So we thought if I can get some ice on it straight away and start recovery hopefully I’ll be good to go for Toronto.”

Goulding wasn’t the only Melbourne player to impress against the NBA conditioned Sixers.

Guard Casper Ware showed off his silky skills with 19 points, including an impressive jump shot over Sixers man mountain Embiid.

Centre Alex Pledger was outstanding with 19 points and 13 rebounds while power forward David Barlow contributed 13 points.

Joel Embiid was a constant menace. Picture: AP

United coach Dean Vickerman was disappointed with the final score but proud of his players’ fight.

“We knew they were going to come with a pretty big punch early on and they did but I love that we were able to hang around,” Vickerman said.

“That is the disappointing part. Against an NBA team you’ve got to feel like you’ve got a chance to get a win and we didn’t get it done.

“I thought we took a shot of their best group and hung in, which was pleasing.

“We stayed around that 10 point margin and then it drifted to 15 but somehow we found a way to get it back to 10.

“But we needed more guys to step up in the second half.”

In the end, Melbourne couldn’t contain Philadelphia’s athleticism and skill.

Simmons declared United could beat the Sixers in the lead-up to the game.

He was more honest when asked about Melbourne’s odds of causing a boil over in his pre-game interview.

“If we get the minutes we should then they will be no chance,” he told reporters.

Simmons delivered on his words and, boy, didn’t he deliver.

The proud Aussie delivered his trademark drive and dunk.

Philadelphia 76ers young guns Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz celebrate the victory. Picture: Getty

He also got tricky by throwing up an alley-oop for himself off the backboard before passing to Fultz to score.

Simmons was happy with the win while he praised Melbourne’s determination.

“It was a good match up physicality wise,” Simmons said.

“I knew we were going to get that from an Australian side — that is just how we play.

“I loved it and it was a good test for us.”

Simmons also enjoyed teaming up with Fultz in the back-court after the guard only played 14 games last season due to a shoulder injury.

“The way he plays the game is unselfish and he gets to the rim and he loves to push the ball, which I love to do,” he said.

“So playing with him is going to be easy.”

Originally published as Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid put on a clinic as the 76ers destroy outclassed Melbourne United