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The Boston Celtics are having the time of their lives in these playoffs. How could they not? Their team is winning and defying odds. On Monday night, the Celtics’ success continued, as Boston took down the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinals at home, 117-101. That despite the fact that the Celtics were missing Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, and Jaylen Brown due to injuries.
And when Sixers rookie point guard Ben Simmons took to the free throw line at some point in the game, Boston fans jeered Simmons and chanted “not a rookie” then when it was Jayson Tatum’s turn to shoot from the foul line, the crowd inside TD Garden changed their chants to “he’s a rookie” in clear attempt to get into the head of the Sixers’ first-year man.
Despite the taunts, Simmons still finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, though, he committed seven turnovers and played poorly on defense.
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In any case, Ben Simmons said that he is not at all affected by the behavior of Boston fans, per Chris Forsberg of ESPN.
“I don't care. It doesn't affect me at all,” said Simmons, downplaying the barbs about whether he ought to qualify as a rookie this season.
For his part, Tatum said he didn't hear the chants about Simmons. He also downplayed being hyped to play against another top candidate for rookie of the year.
“At this point, I'm just focused on winning, not really matchups,” Tatum said. ” Just win. It's really a team thing right now.”
Whether those chants truly got in his head or not, Simmons will have to turn in a finer and more efficient effort in Game 2 this coming Thursday.
So far this postseason, Simmons is averaging 18.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per contest.
