Sixers Bell Ringer: Utah’s 3s blizzard spoils Ben Simmons’ career night

Sixers Bell Ringer season ranking:

Joel Embiid – 12
Tobias Harris – 5
Ben Simmons – 4
Milton Shake – 3
Tyrese Maxey – 1
Dakota Mathias – 1
Matisse Thybulle – 1

Joel Embiid was a late scratch for this game due to a tight back, so, of course, the Sixers hit 16 of 23 (69.6 percent) in the first quarter on their walk to 42 points. However, that advantage had evaporated at the five-minute mark in the second quarter, when Utah empirically proved that three is greater than two, knocking 18 3s down in the game against Philadelphia’s eight – a difference of 30 points behind the hoop. Led by Jordan Clarkson’s eight 3s and 40 points, Utah held on to a brave team of Sixers who played a two-ball game for much of the fourth period and, in the end, defeated Philadelphia by 134-123. Let’s talk about Bell Ringer.

Ben Simmons: 42 points, 9 rebounds, 12 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 4 plays

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Wow. There is the aggressive Ben Simmons and also what we saw from Ben on Monday night, which I would equate to the difference between Super Saiyan 2 and 3. His first quarter was a real spectacle, as he lost 19 points out of 7 out of 7 shots , plus five assists. It was easily a high point in Ben’s career and a unique achievement in NBA history.

Jazz opted to use the centers Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors to protect Simmons, and with Ben practically 5 in the attack in the minutes that Mike Scott was out there, he had open lanes to advance down the hill and attack the basket. And he attacked, with short shots to the bank, lay-ins, floats and hooks. Simmons tied his previous career record of 34 points in the third quarter, and eventually joined Allen Iverson and Embiid as the only Sixers to score at least 40 points in this millennium. Notably, in addition to his 15 of 26 shooting range, Simmons shot 12 of 13 on the foul line as well; he is now 63.9 percent on the line for the year, continuing to improve each year of his career in that department.

After the game, Ben discussed his need to focus mentally on constantly attacking and how he feels he has improved in that area in recent weeks. Sorry, another aspiring All-Star from the periphery of the Eastern Conference, someone decided to look at a point.

Tobias Harris: 36 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 0 turnovers

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With Simmons and Clarkson’s score totals absorbing a lot of oxygen from the conversation, Tobias had one of the quietest 36-point games you’ve ever seen. As always, he was incredibly efficient, shooting 14 of 24 from the ground, 3 of 5 of 3 and 5 of 5 from the charity strip. Like Ben, Harris started well, scoring 14 points in the first quarter, a mark that was also his best season in a quarter. Tobi had some very confident plays as the pick-and-roll ball handler, pulling unreservedly onto the bouncer as soon as the open look appeared. He also made a series of strong thrusts, hitting defenders and making fun swirling movements on his way to the edge. The Sixers’ aspiring All-Star non-Joel certainly defended their position in Utah.

Dwight Howard: 14 points, 12 rebounds, 1 block, 1 return

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Dwight arguably played his best game as a Sixer, with the 14 points representing a record of the season for the great man. Howard was relentless in the offensive glass, collecting six offensive plates and threw a respectable 4-of-6 from the foul line. He also did not try to do much with the dribble, did not commit moving screens and then looked at the referee as if the concept was foreign to him. He remained committed to pursuing stray balls with all the energy he could muster and played a very disciplined game in another way – big deal!

We also learned after the game that Howard had a death in the family and Doc Rivers didn’t even expect him to play, but Dwight wanted to go out there. Dwight’s tremendous effort in what I’m sure were dire circumstances for him.