The Philadelphia 76ers romped their way to an easy 141-94 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night despite being down two starters to fully bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Washington Wizards on Thursday. It was a fully dominant game as the Sixers shot 63.3% from the floor and they made 11-for-26 from deep in the win.
Ben Simmons scored a career-high 34 points, dished out seven assists, and he knocked down a 3-pointer and that is the story that is on everyone’s mind. Considering Simmons had only made one 3-pointer in his career coming into the game and it’s something that will be focused on and dissected moving forward, it’s a big part of his game.
Coach Brett Brown was happy with what he saw and then he issued a proclamation for him.
“This is what I want, I want a 3-point shot a game, minimum,” said Brown. “The pull-up 2’s, I’m fine with, whatever, he’s open, but I’m interested in the 3-point shot.”
Brett Brown in Ben Simmons: “I want 1 3-point shot a game” #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) December 8, 2019
Simmons has been hesitant to take a 3-point shot since making his first one against the New York Knicks back in November and him making one on Saturday is something essential for them moving forward. Is it still overblown in Brown’s eyes?
“The drama of it is overblown,” the coach added. “The reality that he can shoot and ultimately, it will need to come into his game in a more pronounced way just from an attempt standpoint, that’s not overblown. I think the drama surrounding it is completely overblown.”
Simmons had worked on his shot all throughout the summer and, like with anything, this will take time. Taking a 3-pointer a game will be a nice step forward for him.
“I’m getting more comfortable,” said the point guard. “Obviously throughout time just getting more comfortable with the game, just learning my spots, and just adjusting,”
The All-Star also went to the foul line 12 times and made nine of them. That’s another area in his game that Brown would like to see grow.
“The mentality that he has when he’s turning corners and taking that long step, that gather step and bringing his shoulders to the rim, trying to dunk or finish tight will equal higher efficiency or getting fouled,” the coach finished with. “That’s the world that interests me the most, those two things. Then you say ‘OK what’s the number?’ I immediately throw out eight. That’s a number that I think is attainable.”
The Sixers will need Simmons to continue taking steps forward to continue their quest towards a championship. [lawrence-related id=20816,20799,20778]