Sixers-Hawks Game 2 takeaways: Joel Embiid makes his MVP case

Sixers-Hawks Game 2 takeaways: Ben Simmons is a miracle

Let’s get ahead of the narrative — Ben Simmons scored four points, and he was damn good in Game 2. In fact, Ben Simmons was a miracle in Game 2. An absolute marvel to watch, and a key component of the Sixers’ series-tying victory.

An aggressive Ben Simmons is the best Ben Simmons, but I’m hard-pressed to say this was a poor or less-than-stellar performance. He dropped seven assists, but more importantly, played great defense all over the floor.

All game, it was Simmons who rightfully drew the Trae Young assignment. It’s no coincidence that Young had a much tougher go of things in Game 2. He couldn’t get to his spots as easily, and when he did, he was faced with Simmons’ 6-foot-10 frame and 7-foot wingspan, not the rickety knees of an aging Danny Green.

Simmons also made great plays in space, erasing passing lanes, intercepting lobs, and making the Hawks cognizant of his presence at all times. Simmons did what he had to do to get teammates involved, and let the likes of Joel Embiid (40 points) and Tobias Harris (22 points) cook. You will get no complaints from me.