"I thought it was going to be louder" - Ben Simmons takes another shot at Philadelphia 76ers fans despite loss
Ben Simmons took another shot at the Philadelphia 76ers fans despite the Brooklyn Nets' loss on Tuesday. Simmons played his first game in Philly since getting traded last season. The Nets were outplayed by a short-handed Sixers team missing their three best players.
The Nets star endured hostility all night every time he got the basketball. There were even 'F**k Ben Simmons' chants throughout the game. In a postgame interview, Simmons was asked about getting booed by the Philly crowd.
"I thought it was going to be louder," Simmons said with a smirk on his face.
Ben Simmons on the reception he got from the crowd in Philly tonight:
"I thought it was going to be louder" https://t.co/CGdd0WqnPO
Simmons had a good game for the Nets despite a 115-106 loss to his former team. The Australian ended the game with 11 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and three blocks. He shot 4-for-7 and was 3-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Simmons was happy with his performance but would have preferred the Nets bagging the win. The Sixers were without Joel Embiid, James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, but Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton carried Philly to victory.
"I feel like I'm in a good place," Simmons said. "I'm happy, I'm doing what I love. So to be out there and have that experience was amazing. Obviously it wasn't the result we wanted. It's frustrating to lose a game like that, but I think it's a good step forward."
During the third quarter, Simmons missed two free throws much to the delight of the crowd. Not only did the fans celebrate their former player's bricks, but they resulted in free Chick-fil-A nuggets for everyone in attendance.
According to Sports Illustrated, the Sixers and Chick-fil-A have a promotional partnership called "Bricken for Chicken." When an opposing player misses two straight free throws, fans get five free chicken nuggets. If a second player misses consecutive foul shots, the free chicken nuggets go up to eight pieces.
Simmons Misses Both Free Throws, Free Chick-Fil-A for Everyone https://t.co/I88XC6PdAG
Also Read: "We're just kind of doing whatever comes natural" - Ernie Johnson reveals secret to success of 'Inside the NBA'
Ben Simmons came to life in last three games
Ben Simmons was off to a slow start to the season, averaging a triple-single for the Brooklyn Nets. He also missed a handful of games due to a minor knee injury, and there were reports of frustration in the Nets organization.
However, the former No. 1 pick has come alive in his last three games. He's averaging 16.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks, shooting 80.8% from the field but only 54.5% at the charity stripe.
Simmons' best game came against the Memphis Grizzlies. He had 22 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the Nets' win. The team is finally winning games, with Kevin Durant among the best players in the league and Kyrie Irving back from suspension.
Also Read: "He's got to put better people around him" - Charles Barkley remains stubborn on Michael Jordan surrounded by the wrong people