Ben Simmons is built for the playoffs
The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Miami Heat 4-1 in the series, thanks in large part to Ben Simmons. He proved that he will lead the team in future playoffs.
The Philadelphia 76ers have won their first playoff series since 2012, thanks in large part to the performance of Ben Simmons. Going into the postseason, everyone knew the 6-10 point guard would play a pivotal role in any success the Sixers would have, and his playmaking ability, focus, and well-rounded game prove that the Aussie is the Sixers’ long-term leader in the playoffs.
The Miami Heat threw every defensive look they had at Simmons, but the rookie constantly adjusted and overcame their efforts to stop him. The LSU product did what he does best, which is everything possible on a basketball court, except shooting threes.
He averaged 18.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, nine assists, and 2.4 steals in the five games played in the series. He was the first rookie to post a triple-double in a playoff game since Magic Johnson, and his totals for points, assists, and rebounds resemble those of Oscar Robertson.
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The floor general’s ability to adjust and play consistently at all times makes him look much more experienced than he really is, and that may be what makes Donovan Mitchell think that Simmons is not a rookie. Anyways, whenever Simmons lacks in one statistical category, he more than makes up for it in other stats.
In the series against Miami, he put up six or more in points, rebounds, and assists in every game. That well-rounded tangible contribution takes so much pressure off his teammates since they know the first-year point guard will fill up the stat sheet every night.
Simmons’ composure makes his debut playoff series even more impressive. The Heat, well, put the heat on Simmons mentally, and the 21-year-old never reacted to their extracurricular antics. He didn’t even begin to chase after Goran Dragic after the Slovenian slapped him on the head in the middle of a play. He is clearly aware that he needs to stay on the court during the playoffs, and that sort of composure exemplifies the potential he has as the Sixers’ silent leader.
https://twitter.com/LeadingNBA/status/988955105931051009
At this point in time, it’s pretty cliche to compare Ben Simmons to LeBron James, yet the rookie’s ability and willingness to take over in all aspects of a playoff game truly resembles a young King James. The two might wear the blue and white together next year, but no matter what, Philly is in good hands with the Fresh Prince.
Regardless of who wins between the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks, Brett Brown will expect Simmons to keep up his high level of performance. Against the Bucks, he’ll have to beat Giannis Antetokounmpo, whereas he would face off against Jaylen Brown if the Celtics win that first-round series.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra put Justise Winslow, a solid and physical defender, against the 6-10 guard for most of the series, and while Winslow played Simmons well at times during the first couple games, the Australian clearly won the war. It doesn’t matter whether or not Simmons has to play against Brown, Antetokounmpo, or anyone else: he will always create shots for teammates with a pass, get to the rack, defend well, and grab boards.
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That all-around contribution makes him an indispensable part of the team, and he has shown the league that he, along with All-Star center Joel Embiid, will lead the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs for years to come.