The Philadelphia 76ers are clicking on all cylinders early on against the Dallas Mavericks at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday. Sixers All-Star Ben Simmons made sure to capitalize on a terrific rejection by his teammate Dwight Howard, as the pair converted on a classic defense to offense sequence.
Howard, who was signed by the Sixers in the season, continues to live up to his reputation as one of the best rim protectors in the league. The Sixers center timed Mavs forward Dwight Powell's dunk attempt in early in the second period, protecting his team's slim lead at the time.
Philly recovered possession as Simmons surveyed the scene on the other end. The Australian point-forward saw an open lane for himself, as he aggressively attacked Maxi Kleber's defense.
The 3-time All-Star flexed his hard work in the weight room, as he absorbed contact and brushed off Kleber easily with a gorgeous euro-step on his way for a two-handed hammer. Simmons, himself, is no slouch defensively is a frontrunner for DPOY this season. He appreciates Howard's defensive effort and made sure to turn it to easy points.
Entering Thursday's home game, the Sixers still lord the Eastern Conference Standings with a 21-11 win-loss slate. They are looking to extend their winning streak to two, as the red-hot Brooklyn Nets are slowly creeping in the standings.