When a team loses a superstar talent like Joel Embiid for a period of time, it means everybody else to step their game up. For the Philadelphia 76ers, they have turned to the other All-Star on their roster, Ben Simmons, to lead the way and he has delivered in a big way.
Over the past nine games, Simmons is averaging 21.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 2.3 steals, and he is shooting 65.3% from the floor. Those numbers are all up from his season averages and it makes one wonder if this is a regular occurrence or if it’s just because Embiid is out.
“I don’t know what led to that, but he’s been more consistent, more confident, and more aggressive and that’s great for our group,” said veteran Al Horford. “When he’s playing at that level, it fuels the rest of us and tonight, he did it again on a huge stage. It was pretty clear.”
Al Horford on Ben Simmons’ recent rise in aggression #Sixers pic.twitter.com/ryILroelpC
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) January 26, 2020
The question of whether Embiid and Simmons fit on the court together has always been the center of attention with this team and Simmons’ play without Embiid adds fuel to that debate. While Simmons is more of an up-and-down fastbreak type of player, the big man likes to go to work in the post and use his undeniable skill down low to get his points.
Both of these players are undeniably talented, but it will be interesting to see how Simmons’ game reacts to the return of Embiid when he does come back from his injury.
Until then, the Sixers will continue to take more of this type of production from their 6-foot-10 point guard on Tuesday when the team hosts the Golden State Warriors. [lawrence-related id=24305,24295,24282]