The Philadelphia 76ers are finally back to work. They returned to the hardwood on Friday for the first time in four months and it resulted in a 90-83 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the first of three scrimmage games.
The biggest thing that jumped out from this game was the fact that Ben Simmons took multiple 3-pointers in the game and he even made one and that is the one standout in an otherwise easy victory–they led by as many as 29.
Coach Brett Brown mentioned a paradigm shift in Simmons’ willingness to shoot the basketball and that was no different on Friday. In fact, Brown is now excited to see more from his All-Star forward.
“I get excited and as I’ve said, it’s the paradigm shift, he doesn’t flinch,” Brown said after the win. “The sport told him ‘I’m open, nobody’s guarding me, shoot it’ and he did. There wasn’t any hesitation on what’s next. What decision do I have to make now?”
Simmons, who did make the first two 3-pointers of his career during the season before the league suspension, was happy that he was able to work more on that shot. All of his career 3-pointers have come in the corner spot and that was no different on Friday when he was able to find his spot on the floor.
“Just playing,” Simmons explained. “We’ve been practicing, we’ve been working to find that corner. I’m very comfortable over there and shooting those shots so I’m glad my teammates found me.”
In terms of any philosophical change or paradigm shifts, Simmons says that it’s more just an ability to get open and find his spot on the floor. He understands that the 3-point look has been something that has eluded him and dogged him in his career, but this new ability is going to unlock more of his game.
“I think just changing my style of play,” the All-Star added. “I’m just taking what they give me. I’ve been working on the 3-ball, shooting so I’ve been feeling comfortable. I’m still getting to the rim, I’m still going to attack with all my guys. I’m just trying to play my game while trying to evolve.”
The Sixers will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in their next scrimmage game on Sunday at noon EST. That will give both Brown and Simmons an opportunity to grow as a team. They really need that shooting ability to be there every night in order to move forward as a team. [lawrence-related id=35357,35350,35342]