3. The Heat cannot slow down Ben Simmons
The Rookie of the Year candidate has shown signs of brilliance and on-court demeanor. He immediately displayed it and proved he wasn’t afraid of the big stage, and it has developed in his composure and overall game.
Even back in Game 1, he was one rebound shy of a triple-double, notching 17 points, 14 assists, and nine rebounds. In Game 4, he achieved that feat, being the first rookie to put up that stat line since Magic Johnson back in 1980.
"It just means I'm doing my job... it's not really anything new for the team or myself." - Ben Simmons after becoming the 1st rookie to record a #NBAPlayoffs triple-double since Magic Johnson in 1980. pic.twitter.com/V5ysKObfkj
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 21, 2018
He has deciphered Miami’s defense and continues to break it down by making cuts, using screens and taking it down the lane — including a late dunk that caught Miami by surprise.
Ben Simmons getting an easy dunk in clutch-time 👀👀👀🔥🔥🔥🔥 #Sixers pic.twitter.com/Z9LX00XAlk
— Off the Glass (@otgbasketball) April 21, 2018
He has great court vision and attracts the defense in the paint only to dish out to shooters or assist Joel Embiid down low. He has done it game after game and it was no different Saturday night. Miami never had an answer for him and he continues to take advantage of that in a dominant 3-1 series advantage.