The Philadelphia 76ers needed to find something sustainable to help get a win over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. Offense comes and goes, but defensively, they had to dig in.
While Furkan Korkmaz stole the show offensively with a masterful performance that had coach Brett Brown having flashbacks to JJ Redick, it was Ben Simmons who made some big plays on the other end to swing it in Philadelphia’s favor. His defense to begin the third quarter was huge in a 100-89 win over Chicago to improve to 20-2 at home.
“How can we not recognize Ben Simmons’ defense?” asked Brown postgame. “After the first time out in the first period, are you serious? He was just the adult in the room defensively, he’s a physical presence by a lot when you watch him play defense. I thought he changed the game. How can he not be an all-league defensive player?”
Simmons had a solid stat line of 20 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists which has become the norm for his career at this point, but he understands his responsibility defensively. He has a lot to offer this team on that end of the floor and he frustrated Bulls guard Zach LaVine all night long.
“I think I’m just learning,” said Simmons. “I was blessed with height and speed and length so I try to use that to my best of my ability defensively. I know I can be a huge part in terms of that and help this team get wins just by playing defense.”
Philadelphia will now need to take this type of effort out on the road as they begin a quick three-game road trip on Saturday when they visit the New York Knicks. [lawrence-related id=23720,23719,23702]