Ben Simmons did something that current NBA players have seldom done – disrupt a James Harden step-back.
Simmons appeared horror-movie-like jumpy after surprisingly blocking the reigning MVP’s attempt.
Block by Ben.. finish from Tobias!#HereTheyCome 11#Rockets 14
: @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/VxrNqtizsa
— NBA (@NBA) March 9, 2019
: Simmons nettled the 3-point shot of Harden for most of the Philadelphia 76ers’ Friday night clash with the Houston Rockets, despite the seven-time All-Star’s 31 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in 32 minutes of action. Harden didn’t have a whole lot going on beyond the arc, chucking up just three makes on 11 shots from out there. Houston came out on top without breaking much of a sweat 107-91 – pushing their winning streak to seven games.
The Rockets dominated Philly for essentially the entire evening, dancing and gliding their way through the lane without Joel Embiid’s 7-foot-2 frame to burden the high-percentage shots.
Embiid has now missed his eighth-straight affair since the All-Star break, and there’s still no reliable expectancy for his return.
Simmons, who was dealing with flu-like symptoms prior to tip-off, finished another brilliant performance in the loss with 15 points, 10 assists, and nine boards. The 22-year-old All-Star is averaging 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.9 assists in his second campaign with the 76ers.
Ben Simmons has put on some very applicable defensive showings this season (1.4 steals per game), and it should continue to lead him down a bright path to become a yearly contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award if he keeps improving on that side of the ball.
The Philadelphia 76ers (41-25) will look to bust out of their current two-game slump with a pertinent matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon.
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