Ben Simmons shines as Mavs-Sixers game goes down to the wire
With the explosiveness that Sixers rookie Ben Simmons has displayed in his first few games, it’s difficult to believe that the Australian point forward was sidelined every game last year with a fracture in his right foot. Since stepping on an NBA court, all Simmons has done is justify the LeBron James passing comparisons, pleasantly surprise with his scoring ability and wow front offices with his well educated shot selection.
On Saturday, the Aussie point forward showed more of the same as he meshed effortlessly with teammate Joel Embiid to pick up their second victory of the season. The win was an overall team effort, but on the shoulders of Embiid and Simmons’ combined 46 points the Sixers pulled out a tight one over the Dallas Mavericks 112-110.
Following a miss at the line from Jerryd Bayless, Mavericks guard Yogi Ferrell came down with the rebound and charged down the floor for a contested layup against Robert Covington who fouled the elusive point to send him to the line. With .2 seconds left on the clock and a chance to send the game to overtime, Ferrell stepped up to the line and shockingly bricked his first attempt off the back iron for only his second miss of the season.
Forced to intentionally miss his second shot, Ferrel tried his best to strategically deflect his attempt off the rim to give his teammates a chance to tip the ball in the basket and send the game to overtime. Although the rock was placed perfectly, the battle for the rebound was to much for their center Nerlens Noel and his final flail to put the ball through the hole found nothing but air.
Philly came away with the game, but both teams put on a proud offensive presentation in the face of a slew of injuries and heart breaking personal issues. First overall pick Markelle Fultz was officially ruled out indefinitely amid a grueling battle with a shoulder injury while Devin Harris missed the action as he continued to handle the tragic loss of his brother.
Neither team comes close to title contention and both have a treasure of talents that keep their future looking bright. The two are at wildly different points in the rebuilding process, but their emerging superstars should spoil viewers with primetime highlights regardless of what their records say at the end of the day.
