Joel Embiid on facing Ben Simmons for the first time since the latter's departure from Philadelphia: "Just freaking kill whoever is in front of me”
Former teammates Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid locked horns for the first time since the former's departure from Philadelphia on Wednesday. Embiid's Philadelphia 76ers came out on top against Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets with a 137-133 win.
The former All-Star duo's individual battle was one of the key talking points before the game, considering the controversial end to their tenure as teammates. They matched up during the game, sending fans into a frenzy. However, Embiid downplayed the importance of hyped individual battles like those against Simmons after the game, saying (via Kyle Neubeck):
"Like every single night, just freaking kill whoever is in front of me."
Joel Embiid did just that. He dominated Ben Simmons from the get-go. The first possession against each other ended with Simmons fouling Embiid, which drew plenty of boos from the Philly crowd for the Australian who had no love lost for their former starting point guard.
Boos for Ben Simmons in Philly after his first foul on Embiid 👀 https://t.co/HbSfVb35IP
Embiid also outworked Simmons on defense, forcing the latter to pass up on opportunities at the rim. The former finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and two steals, while the latter had 12 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons' beef is pretty much alive
Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons didn't end their partnership on the best terms. Embiid indirectly called Simmons out after the latter passed on an open layup opportunity during Game 7 of the Philadelphia 76ers' 2021 playoffs second-round clash against the Atlanta Hawks.
Embiid sided with critics who believed Simmons' missed opportunity cost them the game and a trip to the conference finals. That's possibly where their beef brewed from. It was one of the factors that drove Simmons' decision to never suit up for the franchise after that game and demand a trade next season.
Since then, both players have taken shots at each other, but never in person. Their first-ever on-court battle with rival teams gave them a chance to express their feelings about each other. Joel Embiid dunked on Ben Simmons in the third and stared him down while tracking back on defense.
Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid shared a chat as Q3 got underway
(via @YESNetwork)
https://t.co/8cTdtxY3Cr
Just a couple of possessions earlier, Embiid bumped into Simmons from behind. The two also jawed at each other during the game, providing a box-office moment for NBA and especially Philly fans.
Their rivalry has translated into a team rivalry, and it will be a series for the ages if the two teams meet in the playoffs this year.