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Ben Simmons impresses in scrimmage win

3 minute read

Ben Simmons attempted his first three-pointer in the first quarter and buried his second in the third quarter.

BEN SIMMONS.
BEN SIMMONS. Picture: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Ben Simmons has undergone a "paradigm shift" and is keen to shoot three-pointers as the Philadelphia 76ers pursue the NBA championship.

The Australian sunk one long bomb and missed another in the 76ers' 90-83 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in a scrimmage at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, on Friday.

Simmons was impressive with nine points, seven rebounds, nine assists and three steals in 22 minutes on the court.

It was the two three-pointers he launched that fired up social media and led 76ers' coach Brett Brown to admit he was excited about his Australian All-Star's new attitude.

"It is a paradigm shift," Brown told reporters.

"It is the spirit.

"He doesn't flinch."

Simmons attempted his first three-pointer in the first quarter when the Grizzlies left him open in a corner, but it bounced off the rim.

In the third quarter he was open again in a corner and buried the shot.

Simmons has frustrated Philadelphia fans with his reluctance to shoot from distance.

In his first three years in the NBA he attempted just 24 three-pointers in regular and playoff games and was only successful twice.

The Australian worked on his shot during the four-month COVID-19 season pause and showed against Memphis if he is open and in a corner he will launch a three.

"I'm very comfortable over there and shooting those shots so I'm glad my team found me," Simmons said.

Brown debuted his new starting line-up with Simmons moving to power forward and Shake Milton at point guard.

Regular starters Embiid, Tobias Harris and Josh Richardson took their usual positions.

The switch did not have much of an impact on Simmons' lethal game running the floor, scoring close to the basket and dishing assists.

Brown said if opponents miss a shot and the 76ers rebound and can push the ball fast down the court, he wants Simmons in control of the play.

If the 76ers are walking the ball down, Milton is the playmaker.

"Anytime the opposition misses and we are running, I want Ben Simmons with the ball and let him get to the rim and dunk or find another shooter," Brown said.

"It is really that simple."

Simmons also appears to have mended a pinched nerve in his back that sidelined him on February 22.

He was still out of action when the NBA season was suspended on March 11 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 76ers play another scrimmage against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.

Their first regular season game of the restart is against the Indiana Pacers on August 1.

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