The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons holds key to 76ers NBA Playoffs

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with the media after the game against the Miami Heat on February 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with the media after the game against the Miami Heat on February 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA,PA – FEBRUARY 14 : Ben Simmons
PHILADELPHIA,PA – FEBRUARY 14 : Ben Simmons /

30 wins with 27 to play

30 wins is significant. The last time the Philadelphia 76ers enjoyed that number of wins was the 2012-2013 season. That was the first of three seasons where the Philadelphia 76ers did not make the playoffs. Following that year, head coach Doug Collins resigned. A month later, general manager Tony DiLeo was out too, and the arrival of Sam Hinkie and Trusting the process began. DiLeo was with the 76ers for 23 years.  The start of a new era began.

That new era is now coming full circle.  Five seasons later, the Philadelphia 76ers are in the NBA Playoffs discussion. And beyond that, the 76ers sent three players to the NBA Rising Stars game. One of whom is the point guard most argued could never play at the point at the season’s beginning. And he does, well.

The new norm

But all the while, rookie Ben Simmons continues producing at this incredible level, and we’ve grown numb to it. Like the sound of the nearby highway or the smell of country air, the constant display of this level of basketball is now baked in with out expectation. He is averaging 16.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.

The team is on  a five-game winning streak.  In fact, since the Philadelphia Eagles have won the Super Bowl, the Philadelphia 76ers have won each game.  While it’s not a streak anyone expects the team to carry through to season’s end, it’s happening at just the right time. You see, the Philadelphia 76ers are making their playoff push. And Ben Simmons is playing at a very high level.