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Sixers point guard Ben Simmons is only in his second season of service in the NBA, but the Australian-born star is already making history.
The Sixers traveled to Utah on Thursday for a matchup against the Jazz. In the end, Philly managed to carry the day, 114-97. However, it was Simmons' stat line that is raising a few eyebrows.
Simmons logged 31 minutes in Thursday's win, tallying 13 points on 6-of-13 shooting, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. It was his fifth triple-double performance since joining the NBA, which makes him just the third player in league history to accomplish such a feat in that time frame:
Ben Simmons is just the third player in NBA history to record at least five triple-doubles in each of his first two seasons. The others are Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson. pic.twitter.com/5dgkpoxKTL
— Justin Kubatko (@jkubatko) December 28, 2018
“Ben spoke with his play,” Sixers head coach Brett Brown told ESPN after Thursday's game. “He was dominant.”
During his postgame media availability, Simmons noted that he likes to hear the jeers that ring out in opposing arenas:
“I love being able to come into an arena and hear boos and chants and see signs and then win by 20,” Simmons said. “There's nothing better than that.”
Simmons, now 22 years of age, is enjoying a fine sophomore season. The former No. 1 overall pick has made 35 appearances with the Sixers this season (all starts), racking up averages of 15.9 points on 57.8 percent shooting from the field, 9.4 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.4 steals and just under one block (0.8) in 33.3 minutes per outing.
The Sixers (23-13 and second in the Atlantic Division standings) will continue their five-game road trip on Sunday night, as they're scheduled for a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Tip-off inside the Moda Center is set for 9:00 p.m. ET.
