The Philadelphia 76ers they missed ben simmons and his famous perimeter defense when trying to stop the final onslaught of Kevin Durant and his Brooklyn Nets, who took the game 109-114 after a 16-1 partial to close the match.
The New Yorkers star posted a triple-double in height with 29 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists, well accompanied by a James harden that ended with 20 points. Although the Nets ended up winning, their game continued to show loopholes.
“We have lost a great piece, It’s not just about the changes in the team, “said Steve Nash, coach of Brooklyn, referring to the absent Kyrie irving. “We are getting used to playing with a void, it’s a lot to chew on right now and we hope in the next few weeks to find out how to play better. “
The Sixers dominated from end to end until the final minute of the game. A mate from LaMarcus Aldridge he tied the tie at 108 and with the extra shot put the Nets ahead for the first time in the game with 48 seconds left.
Philadelphia was led by Tobias Harris and Seth Curry, both with 23 points, despite the effort of Joel embiid, who scored 19 points despite knee discomfort.
Simmons approaches the team
In the duel of absent bases, Simmons was the most discussed in the press room. The 25-year-old Australian met before the game with the team and their leaders to tell them he had psychological problems and that he was not ready to return to the courts.
“It has been a productive day”, Doc Rivers conceded. His teammates decided this time to wrap him up before the anger and mockery of the fans.
“We are painted as if we are superhumans, as if we cannot have feelings,” shared Harris. “I think we have to understand that he is human. If he’s going through something, we have to respect him. “
In the inaugural parliament of the season in the Sixers’ pavilion, Embiid wanted to settle the matter and ask for the support of the fans: “He is still our brother.”
After that gesture there were no more chants against Simmons.
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