The Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets were locked in a battle in the third quarter. The Nets were getting into a groove, and the Sixers needed somebody to step up and make some big plays on defense.
A team effort allowed Philadelphia to end the quarter on a 23-7 run and take control of the game, but coach Doc Rivers’ decision to put Ben Simmons on James Harden has to be highlighted.
Harden got his numbers, but once Simmons switched on to him, he could not get a shot off, and he had to rely on his teammates to make plays. The Sixers were determined to not let Harden beat them, and Simmons was a major factor in making sure that didn’t happen.
“I feel like when I have those assignments, I like to take them,” said Simmons. “Especially against a player like James. He’s incredible offensively, he’s very gifted. Making it tough on him, getting my hands in the passing lanes, try to get steals, and using my size against him.”
Nobody really stops a player like Harden. One can only hope to contain him, and that is what Simmons and the Sixers did on Saturday in order to pick up the win.
Harden is such a brilliant offensive player. He understands how to get anybody off balance, and that is when he will attack. He has a knack for understanding what to do and how he can get to the basket or set up his teammates.
“Trying to not fall for every fake or jab,” Simmons added. “If you fall for all that, he gets you. His footwork is incredible, so it’s tough to time that. My size obviously I’m 6-foot-11/6-foot-10, so it’s not as effective I’d say because I’d rather him drive to the rim instead of step-backs all day. We all know he can do that.”
The important part is, the Sixers were able to pick up the win led by Simmons’ defensive effort. As Philadelphia heads out on the road to face some stiff competition, there will be more challenges for Simmons to get the job done on that end to lead the team.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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