The Sixers have won 13 straight games and now sit alone in third place in the Eastern Conference after defeating the Cavaliers, 132-130 on Friday night. The win knocked the Cavaliers down to fourth place with less than a week remaining on the season.
Ben Simmons showed LeBron James why he should come to Philly against Cavs
James vs. Simmons was as incredible matchup.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The score may have looked close at the end but it was a rollercoaster throughout the night, with each team going on massive runs. LeBron James vs. Ben Simmons was supposed to be must see tv and that’s exactly what NBA fans received.
The first half was all Philly has Ben Simmons and the Sixers came out looking like they had something to prove. The Sixers took took at 41-28 lead after the first quarter, and then a 78-55 lead at the half. The lead was as large as 30 points before the Cavs went on a 7-0 run at the end of the half.
That late second quarter run sparked a larger run for the Cavs in the second half. If you thought LeBron James was going to go away easily, you were wrong. Cleveland outscored the Sixers 43-27 in the 3rd, and got all the way back within two points late in the fourth quarter. James had a chance to tie the game at the free throw line but was unable to convert and complete the comeback.
Simmons finished with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists, while James threw down his own line of 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Yes, it was the King vs. the Prince in the NBA, but Simmons certainly shined as LeBron’s protege.
It has been thought that Philly could be a destination for LeBron James in free agency. If that’s so, Ben Simmons put on a show.
1. His between-the-legs pass to J.J. Redick
2. His half court alley-oop to Richaun Holmes
3. This steal to set up a fast break
4. His own ridiculous dribble move past two defenders and finish
5. This drive and dunk
6. Splitting two defenders like its nothing
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